COLUMBUS, IN – On April 22, Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) in partnership with Purdue Indiana Next Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC), will celebrate the implementation of its Design and Innovation Studio, a dedicated learning center equipped with Industry 4.0 technology and STEM-learning opportunities for students and educators in Northeast Indiana.
The studio features additive manufacturing, robotics, coding/programming, engineering design, microelectronics, and dynamic STEM learning modules.
“There is a global educational crisis, especially in terms of STEM education, which is why this partnership between Cummins and Purdue IN-MaC is so important,” said Jim Schacht, vice president of corporate responsibility at Cummins and CEO of the Cummins Foundation.
“Because of our commitment to innovation, largely powered by STEM, Cummins has a unique opportunity to help ensure access to high-quality STEM learning at all points along the educational pipeline.”
“IN-MaC is thrilled to be partnering with Cummins to build awareness and increase access and equity in STEM educational pathways,” said Sascha Harrell, director of education and workforce for IN-MaC. “This collaboration is designed for students in K-12 and educators to gain skills required to succeed in the innovation-focused 21st century, learn more about STEM careers, challenge their understanding of the industry, and leverage their interests to prepare youth for future jobs.”
Across Indiana, the Design and Innovation Studio model has been implemented in 68 dedicated STEM learning environments in K-8 schools, five industries, and expanding to 87 by 2025. The model prepares elementary and middle school students for career success by pairing foundational technical capabilities with cutting-edge digital technology, employability skills, and career awareness from an early age. The Cummins studio marks the fifth studio within an industry partner’s facility.
“Cummins’ partnership allows us to grow an already robust Design and Innovation Studio industry education network within Northeast Indiana,” said Harrell. “By giving students and educators regular access to Industry 4.0 technology and industry experts, we are working to challenge outdated perceptions in manufacturing and to imagine high-tech careers in their communities.”
Purdue IN-MaC and partner organization STEM Education Works provide expertise in crafting exciting curricula for students that are easy for educators to implement and complementary to the high-tech equipment installed in the studios.
To learn more about IN-MaC’s Design and Innovation Studios™ model and programming, contact:
Sascha Harrell
Director, Education and Workforce Development
Indiana Next Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC)
765-494-2278
Cummins Inc.:
Cummins Inc., a global power solutions leader, is comprised of five business segments – Components, Engine, Distribution, Power Systems and Accelera by Cummins – supported by our global manufacturing and extensive service and support network, skilled workforce and vast technological expertise.
Cummins is committed to its Destination Zero strategy, which is grounded in the company’s commitment to sustainability and helping its customers successfully navigate the energy transition with its broad portfolio of products. The products range from advanced diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid powertrains and powertrain-related components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, valvetrain technologies, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, axles, drivelines, brakes, suspension systems, electric power generation systems, batteries, electrified power systems, hydrogen production technologies and fuel cell products.
Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (U.S.), since its founding in 1919, Cummins employs approximately 75,500 people committed to powering a more prosperous world through three global corporate responsibility priorities critical to healthy communities: education, environment, and equality of opportunity. Cummins serves its customers online, through a network of company-owned and independent distributor locations, and through thousands of dealer locations worldwide and earned about $735 million on sales of $34.1 billion in 2023. See how Cummins is powering a world that's always on by accessing news releases and more information at https://www.cummins.com/.
Purdue IN-MaC:
IN-MaC provides programs and services to enhance the talents and capabilities of Indiana’s present and future workforce by facilitating connections between educators and industry to catalyze the formation of near-term and long-term skills in a highly accessible manner across Indiana.
STEM Education Works:
From start to finish, STEM Education Works is your full-solution STEM partner in the classroom. With industry-relevant technology, standards-aligned curriculum, and outstanding customer service, we’re here to help students of all ages succeed.