ARCTOS Technology Solutions to donate over $3 million to Clark State Community College

Clark State Community College will invest over $3 million from defense industry manufacturer ARCTOS Technology Solutions into developing advanced manufacturing education programs. The funds will be spent on technology upgrades and new faculty and staff to support new programs in robotics, photonics, and more. The full amount, $3,195,374, is part of a $13 million Task Order awarded to ARCTOS by the Air Force Research Lab to bring Smart Manufacturing instruction to three community colleges in Ohio, with the long-term goal of growing manufacturing innovation to the state.

President of Clark State Dr. Jo Alice Blondin spoke in a news release about the opportunities presented with the grant from ARCTOS. "Clark State has been at the forefront of manufacturing training and education, and this grant presents a unique opportunity for collaboration and workforce development in the state of Ohio," Blondin said.

Joe Sciabica, ARCTOS Chief Technology Officer, explained how the investment at Clark State will change the manufacturing landscape in the region. "It is critical to train and prepare the workforce for the future of the manufacturing industry, which is highly focused on automation and related smart technologies. With our phased strategy and industry resources, we are thrilled to partner with Ohio [colleges] to significantly reduce the barriers to adopt the latest manufacturing equipment and skills training for the local workforce and establish the region as a leader in Industry 4.0 technologies across the manufacturing supply chain," Sciabica said.

Four objectives are laid out in the news release from Clark State. 

First, the college will develop a Laser Materials Processing and Photonics program to train technicians, which will also focus on teacher education, dual enrollment programs, and research opportunities. 

The second objective is centered on early engagement, developing relationships and programs between Clark State and local high schools, ensuring that high schoolers have access to technology at the college so they can be better prepared for advanced manufacturing coursework. 

The third objective features collaboration between Clark State and regional universities to create a postdoctoral position in advanced manufacturing. The position will include research projects and the designing of curriculum at the community college level.

Finally, additional personnel will be hired to develop and sustain these programs. A full-time project director will be hired along with a part-time adjunct, tasked with teaching materials processing at the community college level, and a full-time liaison working between high schools and community colleges to coordinate dual enrollment programs that will allow high school students to earn college credits.

Dr. Tiffany Hunter, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs for Clark State, spoke about the eagerness of the college to begin on this endeavor. "We are so honored to have been asked to partner in this work to train individuals within the state of Ohio on smart technologies related to photonics. We look forward to beginning the work to prepare students and workers to fill a vitally important workforce need," Hunter said.