For Immediate Release
March 27, 2025
Fredericksburg, VA – Germanna Community College has been awarded a $348,228 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enhance its mechatronics program, expanding educational pathways and workforce development opportunities in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region. The grant, which runs from September 15, 2024, to August 31, 2027, will allow Germanna to create a stackable credential program and strengthen industry partnerships.
“This grant is a tremendous opportunity for Germanna to expand its impact on workforce development in the region,” says Dr. Janet Gullickson, president of Germanna Community College. “By enhancing our mechatronics program, we’re opening doors for students to gain cutting-edge skills and secure high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing. We are proud to be at the forefront of innovative education that not only transforms lives but also strengthens our local economy.”
The grant will support the development of a stackable credential structure for mechatronics technicians, featuring three progressive levels:
- Level 1: Technology in Mechatronics (Career Studies Certificate - CSC)
- Level 2: Advanced Technology in Mechatronics (CSC)
- Level 3: Mechatronics (Associate of Applied Science - AAS)
Additionally, Germanna established an advisory board comprising industry professionals from such corporations as Dominion Energy, Micron Technologies, and Amazon Web Services, to help shape curriculum development, recommend equipment purchases, and connect students with local employers.
To foster interest in mechatronics, Germanna will implement a robust outreach strategy, including:
- Monthly workshops for middle and high school students
- School visits to promote career pathways in mechatronics
- A summer camp introducing students to hands-on technical experiences
The College has already secured agreements with organizations such as Future Kings, a northern Virginia-based program that exposes young men to STEM-related careers, and the Academic Scholars Institute (ASI), an Orange County-based program that gives young men the tools to becoming successful scholars. Through the grant, Germanna will partner with both organizations to host workshops, further strengthening community engagement.
A key component of the initiative is the development of a new state-of-the-art Mechatronics Lab that opened in January 2025 in the V. Earl Dickinson Building (SP1) at Germanna’s Fredericksburg Area Campus. The lab features:
- An Amatrol Smart Factory Assembly Line with Siemens PLC-based controls
- A fully programmable Fanuc industrial robotic arm
- Hydraulic and Pneumatic trainers with various controls, actuators, and sensors
- AC/DC trainers with electrical components for circuit analysis and troubleshooting
Students will also have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications, including Manufacturing Technician Level 1 (MT-1), OSHA 10 Safety Certification, and AutoCAD Certified User (ACU).
Significant progress has already been made in implementing the program, including curriculum revisions, new course additions, and dual enrollment discussions with Stafford County and Fredericksburg City public schools. Instructor training for MT-1 certification is scheduled for summer 2025, ensuring that faculty are well-equipped to deliver high-quality instruction.
The Mechatronics Advisory Board will play an active role in identifying skill gaps, advising on curriculum enhancements, and ensuring that Germanna graduates meet industry needs. By directly aligning education with employer demand, the program aims to bridge the workforce gap in advanced manufacturing and automation.
“This funding is a game-changer for Germanna,” says Dr. Harry Schoeller, Chair of the College’s Engineering, Mechatronics, and Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) program. “With the rapid growth of automation and advanced manufacturing, we are committed to equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in high-demand technical careers.”
For more information about Germanna’s mechatronics program and partnership opportunities, visit germanna.edu.
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Media Contact:
William Berry
Director of Marketing and Recruitment
(540) 834-1019
wberry@germanna.edu
About Germanna Community College
Established in 1970 as part of the Virginia Community College System, we are a comprehensive community college providing quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities for the residents of the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, Culpeper, King George, Madison, Orange, Spotsylvania and Stafford and for online learners everywhere.