SUNY Delhi Receives Over 150k for Workforce Development in Advanced Manufacturing

DELHI — The Heckscher Foundation for Children has awarded SUNY Delhi a third-year grant of $151,755 to continue advancing its Mechatronics program. Building on a multi-year partnership to address workforce shortages in the manufacturing industry, the third year of the grant will enhance robotics training through the creation of a dedicated lab and the acquisition of three additional robotic units. The funding also covers student certification test fees to help ensure graduates are job-ready upon completing the program.

The robotics enhancements supported by this grant will be integrated into the hands-on curriculum for sophomore and senior students enrolled in SUNY Delhi's associate and bachelor's degree Mechatronics programs. With a fully equipped robotics lab and industry certifications, Delhi graduates are prepared for in-demand careers in manufacturing.

The Heckscher Foundation's transformative grant model for work readiness and job placement programs requires a full-time job commitment from an employer partner. SUNY Delhi's industry partners, including Chobani, Special Metals LLC, MDI, Schneider Packaging, General Control Systems, Inc., and NSH USA, Inc., have committed to hiring qualified graduates.

"Thanks to the continued investment from the Heckscher Foundation, our mechatronics graduates are positioned to become leaders in the advanced manufacturing sector," said SUNY Delhi President Dr. Mary Bonderoff. "We are also proud to continue our industry partnerships and align education with direct pathways to careers."

The Heckscher Foundation's initial $400,000 grant in 2023 allowed SUNY Delhi to upgrade mechatronics laboratories with cutting-edge equipment for pneumatics and hydraulics to support hands-on learning.

About the Heckscher Foundation for Children

The Heckscher Foundation for Children uses venture philanthropy to fund innovative, results-driven programs and partnerships that level the playing field for underserved youth. Its grants focus primarily on education, including college access and persistence, workforce training and jobs access, and arts education that improves achievement in the classroom. Learn more at heckscherfoundation.org.