Southern Awarded $3 Million Grant for New Applied Technology Programs
News
Southern Adventist University has received a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to expand its Applied Technology program, housed within the School of Engineering and Physics. The funding will help Southern develop new training opportunities that prepare students for careers in high-demand technical fields.
The five-year grant will support the development of two new certificate programs in welding and mechatronics, a field that combines mechanical systems, electronics, and computer technology. Unlike traditional degree programs, these shorter programs will focus on practical skills that students can apply directly in the workforce. The welding program is expected to begin in fall 2027, followed by mechatronics in fall 2028.
More than $1.2 million of the grant will fund new equipment, while more than $1.4 million will support staffing to establish and operate the programs.
The new programs are designed to expand connections with local employers while creating additional educational opportunities, particularly for low-income and first-generation students. They build on Southern’s strategic planning and research into student interests, employment trends, and workforce needs.
Through this expansion, Southern aims to equip more students with practical skills for successful careers while helping meet the region’s demand for skilled workers.
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