September 25, 2024
As part of East Central Community College’s Deeply Rooted, Future Focused Capital Campaign, the ECCC Foundation recently received grant funding to enhance the training opportunities for students in the Electrical Technology and Automation and Control Technology programs from Raytheon, an RTX Company. The capital campaign includes four major projects, one of which is the Bradford J. Tucker Applied Technology Center, a focal point of the college’s initiative to modernize its technical training facilities.
The funds, presented by Raytheon representative, Gowanda Burks, aim to significantly upgrade the equipment available to students in these closely aligned programs to Raytheon. The $10,000 will allow the college to purchase a state-of-the-art robotic arm complete with fully articulated components, computer software, and a programming station. Additionally, the funds will assist in the acquisition of updated programmable logic controller trainers. These advanced tools will provide students hands-on experience with industry-relevant equipment, helping them apply the knowledge gained from their coursework to real-world scenarios.
"Having access to up-to-date equipment is essential for our students to fully understand the complexities of the modern manufacturing environment," said ECCC Director of Career and Technical Education Cody Spence. "These upgrades will ensure our students are well-prepared to enter the workforce with the skills they need to succeed, and we are thankful to Raytheon for their support."
The partnership between East Central Community College and Raytheon exemplifies the college’s commitment to providing its students with cutting-edge resources and training. As ECCC continues to invest in its technical programs through initiatives like the Deeply Rooted, Future Focused Capital Campaign, the support of industry leaders such as Raytheon ensures that students are equipped with the practical skills and knowledge required in today’s ever-evolving workforce. This latest investment not only strengthens the college’s training capabilities but also underscores the importance of collaboration between education and industry in shaping the future of technical education.
