The funding will be used to acquire reductive and metal additive manufacturing equipment, allowing students and small businesses to gain working knowledge of the modern manufacturing environment

This $299,999.20 Project Grant awarded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the Congressionally-Identified Projects program (CFDA 11.617) will be used by Columbia Gorge Community College to acquire CNC milling and additive manufacturing equipment. The equipment will be installed at the Columbia Gorge Regional Skills Center and used by students enrolled in the college's advanced manufacturing technology program, as well as by small businesses in the region and high school students. This initiative aims to provide students with training aligned to industry needs, including knowledge of principles and operation of industry-standard CNC milling and additive manufacturing equipment. It will also foster small business growth by providing public access to this advanced manufacturing equipment and introduce high school students to advanced manufacturing careers. The award period is from Oct 1, 2024 to Sep 30, 2025.

Activities

This project will procure and install CNC milling and additive manufacturing equipment at the columbia gorge regional skills center. The equipment will be used by students enrolled in advanced manufacturing technology program, small businesses in the region, and high school students.

Expected outcomes

This project will allow student training aligned with the needs of the industry, including knowledge of principles and ability to operate industry-standard CNC milling and additive manufacturing equipment; foster small business growth by providing public access to CNC milling and additive manufacturing equipment; introduce high school students to advanced manufacturing careers, and enhance collaborative opportunities with oregon manufacturing extension partnership.

Intended beneficiaries

1. To NIST: the work plans align with NIST's manufacturing mission space for advanced manufacturing technology. NIST staff can leverage this project to further the impact of our technical expertise in metal additive and subtractive manufacturing.2. To awardee: columbia gorge community college will be able to train students in modern manufacturing environment for careers in the pacific northwest region characterized by technology innovation, research, and development.3. To the nation: this initiative on training students to gain working knowledge of the modern manufacturing environment will foster education and workforce development, create workforce readiness, promote entrepreneurial benefits, and create career awareness. This will impact career pathways and student recruitments.

Subrecipient activities

No subrecipient activities will be involved with this grant.