Governor wants Polytechnic Anderson model expanded statewide

Indiana Governor Holcomb (center) talks with John Wardwell (left), national training manager at SMC Corporation, Corey Sharp (second from right), director of Purdue Polytechnic Anderson, and John Halverson (far right), director of marketing at SMC Corporation, about the SMC HAS 200, a key training system for mechatronics engineering technology students. (Photo courtesy Office of Gov. Holcomb)

Following a visit to Flagship East, the home of Purdue Polytechnic Anderson, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said similar facilities are needed throughout the state.

Dylan Alkire and Lucas Gibbons, Purdue Polytechnic engineering technology students, share with Gov. Holcomb how they use 3-D printing technology for design, prototyping, materials and processes courses at the Anderson location. (photo courtesy Office of Gov. Holcomb)Holcomb visited the building Monday (February 19) and met with Thomas Broderick Jr., mayor of Anderson, Todd Jones, mayor of Elwood, and Corey Sharp, director of Purdue Polytechnic Anderson.

“I want to make sure that we’re able to spread the word and scale this up all across the state of Indiana,” Holcomb said. “This is a special facility that has brought in local government, state investment, the community and business. All that together is a recipe for success.”

Sharp said 50 companies are actively engaged in programs at the Polytechnic location, and 93 percent of students are finding jobs.

“We’re offering a number of degrees to meet industry needs,” he said. “We’re having a regional impact for an area 30 miles around Anderson.”

Read the full story in The Herald Bulletin.

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