Fanuc America, a supplier of industrial automation and robotics, has established the Fanuc Automation Endowed Scholarship Fund in collaboration with the SME Education Foundation. This initiative, which is reportedly the largest automation scholarship in SME Education Foundation history, will foster the next generation of skilled professionals in advanced manufacturing and automation.
The SME Education Foundation operates as the philanthropic arm of SME, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of manufacturing.
Over the next four years, a minimum of $1 million will be contributed to establish an enduring endowment. This endowment will provide annual scholarships totaling at least $50,000 to deserving students pursuing careers in advanced manufacturing and automation across the United States and Canada.
According to Paul Aiello, executive director of education for Fanuc America, the manufacturing industry faces the critical challenge of a projected 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030 due to a shortage of skilled labor. “By increasing our investment in education and training, we can help bridge this gap,” he said. “The Fanuc Automation Endowed Scholarship Fund aims to alleviate the financial burden of post-secondary education and create a robust pipeline of talent for the automation workforce.”
With more than 60 distinct programs, the SME Education Foundation has awarded $18 million to more than 5,000 future industry leaders. The Foundation’s proprietary application platform streamlines the scholarship process, allowing students to submit a single online application. Through automated matching, eligible students are considered for the Fanuc Automation Endowed Scholarship Fund.
This scholarship builds upon the Fanuc America’s strategic investment plan to support and advance industrial automation in North America. Since 2019, Fanuc America has created more than 400 jobs in Michigan and has invested more than $187 million across the continent.
“Fanuc has always believed in the power of education and its pivotal role in shaping the future,” said Mike Cicco, president and CEO of Fanuc America. “Early on, we recognized the demand for advanced skills, and it led us to establish our Certified Education program. Now, through our new $1 million scholarship initiative, we continue to champion education and help empower the next generation to learn, innovate and fuel the growth of manufacturing in North America.”
For additional information on how to apply for a scholarship, visit the SME Education Foundation.
