Youngstown State University receives grant to purchase programmable logic controller equipment

Youngstown State University’s Robert J. Korenic, who is a professor in the university’s School of Computer Science, Information and Engineering Technology, has received a $100,000 grant that will be used to purchase specialized equipment that will benefit students in the university’s engineering technology programs. The programmable logic controller equipment is expected to be installed and ready for students to use beginning in the Fall 2026 semester.

According to an article on Youngstown State University’s website, Korenic is quoted as saying, “This grant allows us to take our labs and students’ experience to the next level. The new PLC systems mirror what’s being used in today’s industries, so when our students graduate, they’ll be fully prepared to step into real-world environments and immediately contribute. This isn’t just about upgrading equipment – it’s about transforming how we teach automation and process control. Students will be writing code, developing human-machine interfaces and solving the same types of problems they’ll face on the job. It’s a game-changer for applied learning. Our graduates are the next generation of automation professionals. With this investment, we’re ensuring they have the tools and experience to keep our region’s manufacturing and industrial automation sector strong.”

Programmable logic controllers are widely used in the automation industry, and having this new equipment available on campus will give students within various engineering technology programs the hands-on experiences they will need to be poised for success within the region’s automation workforce. The region is enduring a skills gap within the manufacturing workforce, and providing the prevalent equipment within the classroom is a step in the right direction to ensuring graduates are prepared to work in modern manufacturing facilities.

Students will gain important skills using this equipment, such as programming, system networking, safety controls. and troubleshooting. Korenic noted that the equipment will be utilized in labs and in capstone projects. 

For more information about Youngstown State University, visit the school’s website.