# Building Robust Mechatronics Pathways

> **NSF 04002526DB NSF STEM Education** · Central Community College (NE) · $944,372

## Abstract

Manufacturing and process industries are leading economic drivers in the nation, and the demand for highly skilled technicians continues to grow. Over the past five years, Central Community College (CCC) in rural Nebraska has established a proven method to deliver hands-on distance (web-based) mechatronics classes in secondary schools. This new project will pilot this course delivery method with a broader audience: workers currently employed in industry and adult learners enrolled in Adult Education (AE) programs at CCC AE office locations. Over the three-year project period, 180 students will be recruited to participate in the hands-on distance Mechatronics courses. The Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT), comprised of leaders from participating Nebraska businesses, CCC, and the project team, recommended piloting this initiative with working professionals to expand workforce education. The project's goal is to validate a flexible scalable delivery model that enables individuals regardless of background to access technical training and enhance their career opportunities. This adapted model has the potential to create a mechanism to grow a skilled workforce from within a business.

To realize the overall project goal of increasing the number of mechatronics technicians in Nebraska, the project will adapt and pilot a new delivery method for hands-on distance Mechatronics courses with incumbent workers in industry and students in the CCC AE program. The project will 

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2500493
- **Awardee organization:** Central Community College (NE)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** HMA4XMKDW167
- **PI:** Daniel D Davidchik
- **Primary program:** 04002526DB NSF STEM Education
- **All programs:** ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION, Microelectronics and Semiconductors, Advanced Manufacturing, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, SCIENCE, MATH, ENG & TECH EDUCATION
- **Estimated total:** $944,372
- **Funds obligated:** $944,372
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2500493

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2500493, Building Robust Mechatronics Pathways. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2500493. Licensed CC0.

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