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New Haven, CT— CT State Community College (CT State) Gateway has been awarded a $350,000 grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) for "Educating Tomorrow’s Technicians for an Electrified Workforce," a project which will prepare students for careers in servicing and repairing hybrid/electric vehicles. 

"This grant is a testament to CT State Gateway's commitment to advancing technical education and meeting the evolving needs of the automotive industry," said Daniel Fuller, department chair for automotive technology at CT State Gateway. "Our goal is to equip students with cutting-edge skills and credentials that align with industry standards, ensuring they are prepared to excel in the electrified automotive workforce."

The project will utilize NSF funding to develop and implement modernized hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) curriculum, including courses on vehicle safety, maintenance, diagnosis, and repair. 

These courses will lead to stackable credentials within existing programs, enhancing students' employability and meeting the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) electric vehicle technician/shop personnel electrical safety standards.

In addition to curriculum development, CT State Gateway will provide professional development opportunities for automotive faculty and high school instructors through in-person workshops. The project aims to foster expanded partnerships with industry stakeholders, community organizations, and secondary vocational schools to ensure the curriculum meets current industry demands.

"This program will not only benefit students but also contribute to the broader community by increasing the availability of highly skilled technicians capable of servicing advanced technology vehicles," added Ed Barlage, CT State Gateway automotive facilitator. "We are committed to recruiting and retaining students from diverse backgrounds who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields, while providing them with hands-on experience that increases their marketability in the workforce."

The "Educating Tomorrow’s Technicians for an Electrified Workforce" project grant (DUE 2350072) will run for three years, from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027. 

CT State Gateway’s automotive program, sponsored by multiple auto manufacturers, offers students an education, specialized manufacturer training, and dealer sponsorship. With a focus on the latest technologies that simulate the dealership setting, students spend three days a week in a paid internship at a dealership and take classes two days a week at Gateway’s North Haven location. For more information, email daniel.fuller@ctstate.edu.

For more information on the project, contact Edward Barlage, principal investigator, Department of Automotive Technology, CT State Gateway, edward.barlage@ctstate.edu, 203-285-2334 or Molly Lauck, Ph.D., executive director, Office of Sponsored Programs, CT State Community College, molly.lauck@ctstate.edu, 860-612-7008.