The DENSO North America Foundation has announced it will donate nearly $1 million in funding to support science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. The DNAF board confirmed its 2018 North American college and university grants on June 13.

DENSO is an automotive supplier of thermal, powertrain control, electronics and information, and safety systems and components.

With its North American headquarters located in Southfield, Michigan, DENSO employs more than 23,000 people in manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

"As a global technology and automotive leader, it's vital for DENSO to advance young people's education in engineering, technology, and other related programs," said Doug Patton, president of the DENSO North America Foundation and executive vice president of Engineering at DENSO International America, Inc.

"To remain competitive in this ever-evolving, hi-tech landscape, it calls for a workforce that is skilled, well-trained and able to adapt quickly. We feel great responsibility to prepare students for what's next – for the health of our industry and their future careers."

These grants help DENSO's goal of exposing students to rewarding careers available in manufacturing and advance the industry by enhancing programs that will produce the next wave of highly-skilled problem solvers.

"Manufacturing and automotive companies need technically-minded associates now more than ever," said David Cole, DENSO North American Foundation board member. "By supporting programs that emphasize STEM learning experiences in real-world settings, we hope to help students explore their passions, find a worthwhile and fulfilling career path, and help our communities prosper."

DNAF has supported STEM education through grants at colleges and universities since 2001, enabling students to access tools, technology and experiences that better prepare them for technical careers after graduation.

This year's grant recipients are 25 institutions of higher learning that play key roles in training the future automotive workforce.

They include Arkansas State University – Jonesboro, Cleveland State Community College, East Tennessee State University, Kettering University, Lawrence Tech University, Michigan State University, Michigan Tech University, Oakland University, and West Virginia University.

DENSO is looking to hire new talent across North America. Positions are available in a variety of roles, business units, and locations. Those interested can apply at www.densocareers.com

In the United States alone, DENSO employs more than 17,000 people in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Iowa, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.