Co-op

Why Industry Grabs ɫ��Ƶ Grads First: A Blueprint for Career-Ready Talent

rnorris — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 15:34:30 +0000

Why Industry Grabs ɫ��Ƶ Grads First: A Blueprint for Career-Ready Talent

rnorris Mon, 06/23/2025 - 11:34

In a conversation with Chris Holman of Michigan Business Network at the Mackinac Policy Conference, ɫ��Ƶ President Dr. Robert K. McMahan lays out what makes a ɫ��Ƶ education different — and why that difference matters.

ɫ��Ƶ students don’t wait to learn by doing. From year one, they rotate between intensive academic terms and full-time professional Co-ops in leading industries. This fusion of theory and practice builds more than résumés. It builds leaders who graduate into positions far beyond the entry-level.

ɫ��Ƶ students build their careers alongside industry leaders. Employers guide their growth through each Co-op term, often resulting in job offers before graduation.

Listen to the full interview to hear how ɫ��Ƶ’s model builds a workforce industry needs.

University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan Shares How ɫ��Ƶ is Building the Next Generation of Innovators During the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference

rnorris — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:07:17 +0000

University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan Shares How ɫ��Ƶ is Building the Next Generation of Innovators During the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference

rnorris Thu, 06/19/2025 - 10:07

ɫ��Ƶ President Dr. Robert K. McMahan joined Glenn Stevens Jr. of MichAuto during Detroit PBS’s coverage of the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted by award-winning journalist Zoe Clark on “One Detroit.” Their discussion centered on the future of automotive engineering, talent development, and Michigan’s evolving workforce.

Dr. McMahan emphasized the importance of thinking ahead: “We’re actually preparing students for careers that don’t even exist yet because the industry is evolving so quickly,” he said. ɫ��Ƶ’s distinctive Co-op model — where students split their time between rigorous academics and real-world work placements — equips them with the adaptability and habits of mind needed to thrive in tomorrow’s industries.

Glenn Stevens highlighted that while Michigan has “pockets of excellence” in aligning workforce and talent, “we need to do a better job with career path planning.” Dr. McMahan underscored the need to treat talent like a supply chain, noting that, “A lot of the people in this conference, they know their supply chains… they know where every nut and bolt is, what truck it’s on, and when it will land. But if you ask them what the most critical part of their operation is, they will almost universally say it’s people, but it’s the one thing they don’t treat as a supply chain.”

Stevens agreed, adding that Michigan is at an inflection point. “Assuming we do that, treating talent development like a supply chain, investing in communities where people want to live, building strong infrastructure, including digital and schools, and generating new innovation and tech talent like ɫ��Ƶ does, that’s Michigan’s future.”

Click here to watch the full interview to learn how ɫ��Ƶ leads the way in building the next generation of Michigan’s innovators.

“Your College Bound Kid” Podcast Goes Inside ɫ��Ƶ

rnorris — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 17:32:52 +0000

“Your College Bound Kid” Podcast Goes Inside ɫ��Ƶ

Campus

Co-op

Faculty & Staff

rnorris Fri, 06/06/2025 - 13:32

“Your College Bound Kid” Podcast Goes Inside ɫ��Ƶ

What makes ɫ��Ƶ one of the most respected — and most rewarding — STEM institutions in the country? In this featured episode of the “Your College Bound Kid” podcast, President Dr. Robert K. McMahan offers a candid, wide-ranging look at what sets ɫ��Ƶ apart.

Dr. McMahan shares the bold founding story of the university and how its Co-op model remains unmatched in depth, duration, and career payoff. He breaks down how ɫ��Ƶ's academic and Co-op model leads to one of the highest returns in higher education, measured in experience, opportunity, and long-term career growth. He dives into the outcomes that matter most — like industry-leading starting salaries and patents earned by undergraduates — and breaks down the real work students do through immersive experiences and rigorous academics. He discusses the mindset ɫ��Ƶ students bring to campus, what admissions looks for beyond grades, and how the university supports students who are still figuring out their path.

Listeners also get insight into ɫ��Ƶ’s unique student life experience, including the global exchange with universities in Germany, the role of the new Chief Student Experience Officer, and the hands-on thesis projects that turn into real-world solutions. From first-year onboarding to long-term career acceleration, this conversation reveals how ɫ��Ƶ equips students to lead.

Listen to the episode now.

Dr. McMahan Explores the Benefits of ɫ��Ƶ 50/50 Co-op Model with The TechEd Podcast

rnorris — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:00:11 +0000

Dr. McMahan Explores the Benefits of ɫ��Ƶ 50/50 Co-op Model with The TechEd Podcast

Co-op

Faculty & Staff

Undergraduate

rnorris Wed, 04/16/2025 - 10:00

In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, ɫ��Ƶ President Dr. Robert K. McMahan challenges the status quo and offers a workforce-driven vision for higher education. With a background in science policy, venture capital, and university leadership, Dr. McMahan explains why most institutions are falling behind — and how ɫ��Ƶ’s 50/50 Co-op model keeps students ahead.

From earning $75,000 or more before graduation to developing skills in AI, sustainability, and mobility, Dr. McMahan shares how ɫ��Ƶ builds graduates who are ready to lead, starting now.

Listen to the full episode.

ɫ��Ƶ Senior Gains Competitive Edge with Cutting-Edge Robotic Cell

rnorris — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:39:42 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ Senior Gains Competitive Edge with Cutting-Edge Robotic Cell

Electrical Engineering

Undergraduate

rnorris Fri, 04/11/2025 - 10:39

For ɫ��Ƶ senior Scotty Grunwald ’26, an electrical engineering major from Riverview, Michigan, engineering has always been about more than theory — it’s about building real solutions. When he encountered the University’s newest robotic cell, he gained another opportunity to work hands-on with ɫ��Ƶ’s state-of-the-art robotic system, built in collaboration with Patti Engineering, Mitsubishi Electric, and Keyence Corporation.

“This was my first real attempt at a full automation system,” Grunwald said. “It was a lot harder than it looks on paper, but that’s what made it so valuable.”

The robotic cell, installed in ɫ��Ƶ’s engineering lab, gives students direct experience in programming and debugging industrial automation. Featuring an industrial robot and a collaborative robot, the cell performs pick-and-place operations, complete with a 3D vision system and industrial robot for unstructured material arrival, as well as the collaborative robot and a stationary camera for inspection. A flexible code base allows students to modify programming and test their solutions while safety features remain locked in place. The result is a hands-on learning tool that mirrors state-of-the-art challenges met with the precision of real-world manufacturing automation.

“Our students want to work on things that are meaningful,” said ɫ��Ƶ lecturer Andrew Watchorn. “This system puts cutting-edge automation technology in front of them, allowing them to see the impact of their problem-solving in real-time. That hands-on experience builds deep expertise — the kind that sets ɫ��Ƶ graduates apart in industry.”

The vision for the robotic cell began with Sam Hoff ’90, CEO of Patti Engineering. As a ɫ��Ƶ alumnus, Hoff knows firsthand the power of hands-on education and saw an opportunity to give students an advantage in automation and robotics. He approached Mitsubishi Electric with the idea, and together with Keyence, BorgWarner, and ɫ��Ƶ faculty, they brought the concept to life.

“We are proud to support ɫ��Ƶ’s engineering students by providing this state-of-the-art robotic cell,” Hoff said. “This tool will offer invaluable practical experience and help equip students with the skills necessary for success in the rapidly evolving field of robotics and automation.”

For Grunwald, the experience was transformative. Although his early interests leaned toward circuit design and programming, working with the robotic cell changed how he thought about automation.

“This project definitely gave me an edge in the job market,” he said. “I can say, ‘I’ve worked with Mitsubishi PLCs before. I’ve programmed Mitsubishi robots.’ Even working with HMIs [human-machine interfaces] — it all adds to my portfolio and sets me apart.”

Few students outside of ɫ��Ƶ gain that competitive edge. Grunwald frequently compares notes with friends from other universities, many of whom lack access to industrial-grade automation systems.

“None of them really have experience with anything purely automation-based,” he said. “They might have a small robot in a lab, but nothing like this — nothing that could go straight into an industrial environment.”

College of Engineering

ɫ��Ƶ Announces New Class of MEDC Michigander Scholars

rnorris — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 13:43:42 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ Announces New Class of MEDC Michigander Scholars

rnorris Thu, 04/03/2025 - 09:43

27 students will receive the state’s coveted scholarship incentives of $5,000 for Co-ops and up to $10,000 for accepting full-time positions and agreeing to live and work in the Great Lakes State for one year after graduation.

ɫ��Ƶ, founded to support workforce and talent development in 1919, is proud to be a partner in MEDC's mission to recruit talent and fill jobs in Michigan’s mobility, electric vehicle, and semiconductor industries.

----------------------------------------------------

ɫ��Ƶ and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) have named 27 ɫ��Ƶ students to represent the University’s fifth class of Michigander Scholars. The innovative Michigander Scholars program offers scholarships of $5,000 and up to $10,000 to qualifying scholars who complete a Co-op (or internship) and/or accept a full-time position as a computer, electrical, or process engineer or as a software developer (or synonymous job titles) with a participating company. More than 175 scholarships have been awarded to date, and more than 125 ɫ��Ƶ students and recent graduates have been recognized as part of this groundbreaking program.

The Michigander Scholars program offers exclusive opportunities for top tech and engineering students in Michigan, including career guidance, paid internships, and networking opportunities with industry employers. Participating universities gain valuable insights into the skills employers seek, and key employers across the state benefit from early access to a pipeline of highly skilled talent. Many of ɫ��Ƶ's Co-op employer partners are qualified employers as part of this program, including Ford, GM, BorgWarner, Bosch, Hemlock Semiconductor, Magna, Mahle, Nissan, Our Next Energy Inc., and ZF.

The first of its kind in the United States, the Michigander Scholars program represents an unprecedented public-private partnership with some of Michigan’s leading advanced manufacturing employers and universities. The MEDC mission is to increase the retention of college graduates in critical areas of Michigan’s growing technology and knowledge economy. This MEDC initiative is a vital talent retention strategy that promotes key careers, recruits talent, and fills in-demand jobs in the semiconductor and electric vehicle industries, which are essential to Michigan’s economic growth.

ɫ��Ƶ's unique 50-50 blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op employment is ideally positioned to support this initiative. U.S. News & World Report recently recognized ɫ��Ƶ as one of the nation’s best universities for Co-ops and internships, and the Wall Street Journal named it one of the top 10 colleges in the country for career preparation. The University also ranks No. 1 in Michigan in return on investment (ROI) for undergraduate studies, according to PayScale.com. Smart Asset has also ranked ɫ��Ƶ No. 1 for graduates' starting salaries in Michigan.

The fifth class of ɫ��Ƶ Michigander Scholars includes:

GENERAL MOTORS FULL-TIME AWARD
- Madison Connell, Commerce Township, Walled Lake Northern High School, Class of 2024, Computer Science
GENERAL MOTORS CO-OP AWARD
- Ryan Hociota, Novi, International Academy West, Class of 2026, Electrical Engineering
- Troy Korns, Chesterfield, Lutheran High School North, Class of 2029, Computer Engineering
- Roan Patrick, Milford, International Academy, Class of 2026, Industrial Engineering
- Anthony Ply, Lake Orion, Lake Orion High School, Class of 2026, Mechanical Engineering
- Michael Rosczewski, Ortonville, Detroit Country Day High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
- Abhiram Sanikommu, Troy, Troy High School, Class of 2027, Computer Science
- Aaliyah Washington, Lansing, Waverly High School, Class of 2029, Industrial Engineering
HEMLOCK SEMICONDUCTOR FULL-TIME AWARD
- Luigi Mancini, Chesterfield, International Academy East, Class of 2024, Chemical Engineering
FORD CO-OP AWARD
- Malachi Holbrook, Flint, Carman Ainsworth High School, Class of 2027, Computer Engineering
- Briana Lapuz, Farmington Hills, Mercy High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
- Justin Miller, Fenton, Hartland High School, Class of 2027, Industrial Engineering
- Josiah Thompson, Macomb, Parkway Christian High School, Class of 2028, Computer Science
BORGWARNER CO-OP AWARD
- Cleshaun Moorer, Grand Blanc, Grand Blanc High School, Class of 2027, Computer Science
- Ilaria Todaj, Legnano, Italy, Lutheran High School, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering
BOSCH CO-OP AWARD
- Isabella Coleman, Lincoln Park, Wayne County Community College, Class of 2026, Computer Science
- Augusta Hayek, Flushing, Flushing High School, Class of 2026, Electrical Engineering
- Peyton Jones, Evans City, PA, North Catholic High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
- Colt Melton, Smiths Creek, Marysville High School, Class of 2027, Computer Science
- David Strzelewicz, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake St. Mary's, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
GENERAL DYNAMICS LAND SYSTEMS CO-OP AWARD
- Alexander Denha, Macomb, New Haven High School, Class of 2027, Computer Engineering
- Christian Kursinsky, Sandusky, Sandusky High School, Class of 2028, Electrical Engineering
- Steven Paquette, Shelby Township, Utica High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
- Drew Zolenski, Whitmore Lake, Whitmore Lake High School, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering
MAGNA CO-OP AWARD
- Sean Miller, Linden, Fenton High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
MAHLE CO-OP AWARD
- Parker Rath, Fenton, Genesee Christian High School, Class of 2028, Mechanical Engineering
ZF CO-OP AWARD
- Mario Moustafa, Warren, Bishop Foley High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering

Tesla to ɫ��Ƶ Students: Show Us What You’ve Built

rnorris — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 14:48:50 +0000

Tesla to ɫ��Ƶ Students: Show Us What You’ve Built

Campus Events

Co-op

rnorris Tue, 02/25/2025 - 09:48

Tesla moves fast. The company’s pace is relentless, a constant cycle of iteration, problem-solving, and reinvention. So when Tesla recruiters and engineers visited ɫ��Ƶ, they weren’t just looking for students who could crunch numbers or ace a test.

They were looking for builders.

“Show us what you’ve done, not just where you’ve worked,” recruiter Libby Jones told students during Tesla Day on February 5. “We don’t just want to see job titles. We want to know what problems you’ve solved, what projects you’ve taken ownership of, and how you’ve pushed yourself to be better.”

That's what ɫ��Ƶ students already do every day. From day one, they’re thrown into a world where they’re expected to contribute, build, test, and improve. Through the University’s signature Co-op program, they step out of the classroom and into engineering teams tackling real-world problems. Whether it’s Formula SAE, Baja, autonomous systems, or electric vehicles, ɫ��Ƶ students don’t just theorize — they execute.

That’s exactly what Tesla is looking for.

"At ɫ��Ƶ, we don’t just set students up for jobs — we create opportunities for them to prove what they can do,” said Enza Sleva, ɫ��Ƶ's Chief Student Experience Officer. “Our role is to get them in front of the right people, in the right places, with the right experiences to back them up. When Tesla comes looking for builders, we know our students are ready to show what they’ve done."

One of the key themes of the visit was evidence of excellence — Tesla’s guiding principle for evaluating potential hires. It’s not about checking boxes on a resume; it’s about proving that a candidate has the drive, adaptability, and ingenuity to thrive in an environment that demands constant improvement.

Thad Ayres M’08, a ɫ��Ƶ alumnus and senior manager of semi service at Tesla, knows that expectation firsthand. “The evidence of exceptional ability — that’s the most important requirement. As a hiring manager at Tesla, if you can’t answer that, I can’t answer that for you. You don’t go to the next round, whether it’s a resume review or an interview. You have to have an answer for that.”

During the visit, Tesla’s engineers shared stories of their career paths — some conventional, some anything but. One had spent 13 years in satellite communications before pivoting to electric trucks. Another moved from automation and robotics to factorywide production systems. What they all had in common was a hunger to solve problems, an ability to adapt quickly, and a willingness to dive into the unknown.

It’s that same mindset that fuels ɫ��Ƶ’s approach to education. The University produces more than graduates. It creates engineers, innovators, and leaders who can thrive in high-stakes environments where change is the only constant.

Tesla moves fast. ɫ��Ƶ students do, too. And for those ready to prove they can build, solve, and push the boundaries of what’s possible, the opportunities are there.

ɫ��Ƶ Student Pioneering Sustainable Aviation In More Ways Than One

rnorris — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 14:31:22 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ Student Pioneering Sustainable Aviation In More Ways Than One

Co-op

Mechanical Engineering

rnorris Mon, 01/13/2025 - 09:31

"When you're up there in the sky, you're not just flying; you're carrying the responsibility of the future."

At just 16, Remington Steenwyk set sights on sustainability's vast, unexplored potential. Raised in Onekama, Michigan, and later residing in Caledonia, Remington possesses a passion for engineering that blossomed early. “Growing up in areas rich in natural beauty, I saw firsthand the impacts of environmental neglect,” she says. This exposure kindled her interest in finding practical solutions to pressing environmental issues, steering her to her current path.

“I wanted to tackle one of engineering's most pressing challenges: making flight more sustainable,” Steenwyk says. Now a senior at ɫ��Ƶ, she is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering focusing on alternative energy and sustainability while Co-oping at QED Environmental Systems in Dexter, Michigan—her projects at QED focus on harvesting renewable energy and increasing the sustainability of products. “We're exploring everything from hydrogen to biofuels and even energy from waste,” she says.

The journey has been challenging, especially the implementation of new technologies. “Navigating the complexities of high-altitude CO2 emissions and the technicalities of renewable energy sources in aviation requires skill but persistence,” Remington says. Her role involves conducting extensive research and practical tests to identify the most efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

Remington has two patents currently pending approval. The first is for a pump puller to help workers safely remove tubes covered in toxic sludge from the bottom of landfill wells. Her design allows a worker to let go of the tubing without the pump falling back into the well or dragging the worker with it. Remington designed her pump puller to be universal and fit all well types.

The second patent is for a new pneumatic pump design, which is the focal point of Remington’s thesis work. Her design would allow all moving parts of the pump to be above ground so workers would have easy access. The potential result is that the pump would be more resilient, require less maintenance, and run longer. Remington hopes her design will be less expensive to build than the models in use today. Right now, Remington is working on testing her design.

Reflecting on her experiences, Remington is optimistic about her future and the role she hopes to play in a greener industry. “My aim is to reduce industry's ecological footprint significantly,” she says. She is driven by a blend of technical interest and a profound commitment to environmental stewardship.

Remington's proactive approach to fostering inclusivity extends beyond personal success; she aims to inspire and empower other women. “It's crucial for women entering STEM to see they are not alone and their contributions are essential,” she says. Through her role as treasurer of Pi Tau Sigma, the International Honor Society for Mechanical Engineers, and her participation in the Society of Women Engineers, Remington participates in initiatives encouraging more women to enter and thrive in engineering fields.

Looking ahead, Remington envisions her career will combine innovation with practical applications and hopes to inspire more sustainable practices across the aviation industry. “Sustainability isn't just a part of my job description—it's a guiding principle for the future of engineering,” she concludes, hopeful that engineers like her will shape a more sustainable world.

College of Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

ɫ��Ƶ Announces Largest New Class of MEDC Michigander Scholars

rnorris — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 14:44:57 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ Announces Largest New Class of MEDC Michigander Scholars

rnorris Thu, 12/19/2024 - 09:44

57 students will receive the state’s coveted scholarship incentives of $5,000 for Co-ops and up to $10,000 for accepting full-time positions and agreeing to live and work in the Great Lakes State for one year after graduation

----------------------------------------------------

FLINT, Mich. — ɫ��Ƶ and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) have named 57 ɫ��Ƶ students to represent the University’s fourth class of Michigander Scholars. This is the largest cohort of students to benefit from the program since ɫ��Ƶ began granting the awards in the spring of 2024. The innovative Michigander Scholars program offers scholarships of $5,000 and up to $10,000 to qualifying scholars who complete a Co-op (or internship) and/or accept a full-time position as a computer, electrical, or process engineer or as a software developer (or synonymous job titles) with a participating company. More than 150 scholarships have been awarded to date, and more than 100 ɫ��Ƶ students and recent graduates have been recognized as part of this groundbreaking program.

“We are creating top talent here in Michigan, but that’s not enough. We must also be proactive to retain our young professionals and ensure that experienced talent can continue to thrive in Michigan,” said Kerry Ebersole Singh, MEDC Executive Vice President and Chief Talent Solutions and Engagement Officer, during a joint MEDC-ɫ��Ƶ press conference last Spring on ɫ��Ƶ’s campus. “The Michigander Scholars program is a win-win-win. Michigan benefits by promoting its top-tier universities; students gain invaluable hands-on workforce training through paid internships; and our state’s innovative companies secure a steady stream of highly educated, motivated professionals. This program exemplifies what’s possible when public and private sectors collaborate for a brighter future.”

The Michigander Scholars program, the first of its kind in the United States, represents an unprecedented public-private partnership with some of Michigan’s leading advanced manufacturing employers and universities. The MEDC’s mission is to increase the retention of college graduates in critical areas of Michigan’s growing technology and knowledge economy. This MEDC initiative is a vital talent retention strategy that promotes key careers, recruits talent, and fills in-demand jobs in the semiconductor and electric vehicle industries, industries essential to Michigan’s economic growth.

The fourth class of ɫ��Ƶ Michigander Scholars includes:

FORD FULL-TIME AWARD
- David Faulkner, Holly, Michigan, Holly High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
- Amanda Koziol, Shelby Township, Michigan, Eisenhower Senior High School, Class of 2024, Computer Science
FORD CO-OP AWARD
- Thomas Borst, Plymouth, Michigan, Plymouth High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
- Easton Brissette, Fairgrove, Michigan, Seton Home Study School, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
- Olivia Brothers, White Lake, Michigan, Lakeland High School, Class of 2025, Computer Science
- Janice James, Biloxi, Mississippi, St. Hugh’s High School for Girls, Class of 2027, Computer Science
- Megan Judd, Warren, Michigan, Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Class of 2026, Electrical Engineering
- Justin Poiner, Wixom, Michigan, Walled Lake Western High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
- Hailey Rowley, Jackson, Michigan, Northwest High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
GM FULL-TIME AWARD
- Jackson Alarie, Clarkston, Michigan, Clarkston High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
- Daniel Barta, Harrison Township, Michigan, University Liggett School, Class of 2024, Electrical Engineering
- Tyler Bourassa, Linden, Michigan, Linden High School, Class of 2024, MBA
- Nathan Cahilig, Warren, Michigan, International Academy of Macomb, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
- Robbie Dehaan, Ortonville, Michigan, Brandon High School, Class of 2024, Computer Engineering
- Brenden Londeau, White Lake, Michigan, International Academy West, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
- Khushi Mann, Sterling Heights, Michigan, Sterling Heights High School, Class of 2023, Mechanical Engineering
- Alayna Reed, Clinton Township, Michigan, Class of 2023, Electrical Engineering
GM CO-OP AWARD
- Paige Field, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Class of 2025, Industrial Engineering
- Alyssa Hagan, Highland, Michigan, International Academy West Campus, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
- Shane Hurley, Canton, Michigan, Canton High School, Class of 2026, Computer Engineering
- Ria Kapoor, Northville, Michigan, Northville High School, Class of 2028, Management
- Camden Knaak, Hudsonville, Michigan, Jenison High School, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering
- Patrick Pilchowski, Highland, Michigan, Milford High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
- Abhiram Sanikommu, Troy, Michigan, Troy High School, Class of 2027, Computer Science
- Ethan Shaw, Howell, Michigan, Hartland High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
- Christa Spencer, Ortonville, Michigan, Brandon High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
- Ryan Stiles, Gladwin, Michigan, Farmington High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
- Brandon Vivian, Milford, Michigan, Milford High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
- Grayson Whaley, Rochester, Michigan, Stoney Creek High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
BORGWARNER FULL-TIME AWARD
- Jordan Stolberg, Rochester, New York, Brighton High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
BORGWARNER CO-OP AWARD
- Justin Bankston, Harper Woods, Michigan, Renaissance High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
- Valeria Dillanes Gonzalez, Bahla De Banderas, Mexico, Harkness Institute, Class of 2028, Mechanical Engineering
- Xavier Omozokpia, Clinton Township, Michigan, DeLaSalle Collegiate High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
- Noah Spriet, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering
BOSCH CO-OP AWARD
- Alexandra Cabaj, Fenton, Michigan, Hartland High School, Class of 2026, Mechanical Engineering
- Logan Greshak, Middleville, Michigan, West Michigan Aviation Academy, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
- Bassam Jehangir, Bedford, New Hampshire, Bedford High School, Class of 2026, Mechanical Engineering
- Alexandra Kerry, Richmond, Michigan, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
- Andreas Lanni, Commerce Township, Michigan, Detroit Catholic Central High School, Class of 2025, Computer Science
- Lance Lipasek, Washington, Michigan, Chippewa Valley High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
- Liam McCullough-Campbell, Ottawa Hills, Ohio, Ottawa Hills High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
- David Strzelewicz, West Bloomfield, Michigan, St. Mary's Preparatory, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
HEMLOCK SEMICONDUCTOR CO-OP AWARD
- Rameira Davis, Flint, Michigan, Genesee Early College, Class of 2027, Chemical Engineering
- Michael Huot, Fenton, Michigan, Lake Fenton High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
MAGNA FULL-TIME AWARD
- Nicholas Young, Highland, Michigan, Class of 2024, Electrical Engineering
MAGNA CO-OP AWARD
- Sarah Samji, Troy, Michigan, Class of 2026, Computer Science
- Joseph Vandeputte, Clarkston, Michigan, Clarkston High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
MAHLE CO-OP AWARD
- Christopher Ciak, Swartz Creek, Michigan, Swartz Creek High School, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering
- Connor O'Keefe, Vancouver, Washington, iTech Preparatory, Class of 2025, Computer Science
- Parker Rath, Fenton, Michigan, Genesee Christian High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
- Benjamin Spore, Howell, Michigan, Howell High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
NISSAN FULL-TIME AWARD
- Paige Hunger, Almont, Michigan, Almont High School, Class of 2023, Mechanical Engineering
OUR NEXT ENERGY INC. FULL-TIME AWARD
- Aaron Spengler, Rockford, Michigan, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
ZF CO-OP AWARD
- Jace Hund, Howell, Michigan, Howell High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
- Jace Kanitz, Shelby Township, Michigan, Utica High School, Class of 2027, Chemical Engineering
- Mario Moustafa, Warren, Michigan, Bishop Foley Catholic High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
- Blake Ronne, Shelby Township, Michigan, Eisenhower Senior High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering

ɫ��Ƶ Announces 29 New MEDC Michigander Scholars Recipients

rnorris — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 18:23:24 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ Announces 29 New MEDC Michigander Scholars Recipients

Co-op

Scholarship

MEDC

rnorris Mon, 10/07/2024 - 14:23

The state’s coveted scholarship incentive awards students $5,000 for Co-ops and up to $10,000 for accepting full-time positions and agreeing to live and work in the Great Lakes State for one year after graduation

----------------------------------------------------

ɫ��Ƶ, founded to support workforce and talent development in 1919, is proud to be a partner in MEDC's goal to recruit talent and fill jobs in Michigan’s mobility, electric vehicle, and semiconductor industries.

ɫ��Ƶ and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) have named 29 ɫ��Ƶ students who represent the University’s third class of Michigander Scholars. The program offers scholarships of $5,000 and up to $10,000 to qualifying Scholars who complete a Co-op (or internship) and/or accept a full-time position as a computer, electrical, or process engineer, or as a software developer (or synonymous job titles) with a participating company and commit to staying in Michigan for 12 months. To date, more than 75 ɫ��Ƶ students and recent graduates have been recognized as part of this growing program. Read more about the program’s opportunities here. The most recent list of ɫ��Ƶ students who earned these scholarships is at the end of this release.

The Michigander Scholars program is the first of its kind in the United States and represents an unprecedented public-private partnership with some of Michigan’s major advanced manufacturing employers and universities. The MEDC’s mission is to increase retention of college graduates in the most critical areas of the growing technology and knowledge economy. The Michigander Scholars program is a critical talent retention strategy by the MEDC that promotes key careers, recruits talent, and fills in-demand jobs in the semiconductor and electric vehicle industries, which are key to helping grow the state’s population now and in the future.

In its 2023 report, the bipartisan Growing Michigan Together Council cited a lack of access to internships and opportunities for meaningful on-the-job experience before entering the full-time workforce as one reason for Michigan’s student exodus. The Michigander Scholars program works to reverse that trend by offering more of those educational experiences in the state. ɫ��Ƶ is well-suited for this task as the school has specialized in a unique 50-50 blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op employment since its inception in 1919. In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked ɫ��Ƶ as one of the nation’s best universities for Co-ops and internships. The Wall Street Journal also recently named ɫ��Ƶ as one of the top 10 colleges in the country when it comes to career preparation.

“ɫ��Ƶ has a long history of preparing students to meet and exceed the rigorous demands of the state’s most innovative industries,” said ɫ��Ƶ President Dr. Robert K. McMahan. “The Michigander Scholars program is a robust talent retention strategy that aligns perfectly with ɫ��Ƶ’s Co-op model and our mission to provide our students with an educational experience built upon a best-in-class education combined with hands-on work experience.

“One powerful result of our talented students and graduates building careers here is they act as critical fuel for Michigan’s high-tech industries, whose success is built upon attracting and retaining highly educated, accomplished, and motivated graduates. ɫ��Ƶ is proud to be one of only a handful of institutions and the only private school approved for The Michigander Scholars initiative.”.

The Michigander Scholars program is one of many innovative solutions the MEDC Talent Solutions division has developed to meet the tech workforce recruitment challenges of Michigan’s major industries. The program offers top tech and engineering students in Michigan an exclusive close-up of the EV/mobility and semiconductor industries; career guidance and job-seeking support; and networking opportunities with industry employers. Universities receive additional lines of sight into the skills employers are looking for in students, and key employers across the state have early and direct access to a pipeline of talent for internships and new postgrad positions.

“We are creating top talent here in Michigan, but that’s not enough — we must also be proactive to retain our young professionals and ensure that experienced talent can continue to thrive in Michigan,” said MEDC Executive Vice President and Chief of Talent Solutions and Engagement Officer Kerry Ebersole Singh during the joint MEDC-ɫ��Ƶ press conference held March 20 on the University’s campus.

“The Michigander Scholars program presents a win-win-win scenario,” Ebersole Singh said. “Michigan wins by promoting our advanced manufacturing employers, career opportunities, and top-tier universities. It’s a win for students at Michigan colleges and Michiganders attending college out of state to gain real-world, hands-on workforce training through paid internships. And it’s a win for our state’s innovative companies to develop talent pipelines that are fundamental to their success.”

ɫ��Ƶ announced its partnership with the MEDC and the inaugural class of 26 Michigander Scholars in April during the 2024 Spring Co-op fair, which provided the ideal stage for the announcement. Those in attendance included prospective and current ɫ��Ƶ students and more than 100 Co-op employer partners, many of whom could become part of The Michigan Scholars program.

The full list of employer and university participants in The Michigander Scholars program can be found at https://www.michiganbusiness.org/why-michigan/workforce/the-michigander-scholarship/.

Recognized are the ɫ��Ƶ Michigander Scholars.

FORD FULL-TIME AWARD
- Spenser Keys, Huntington Woods, MI, Berkley High School, Class of ’24, Mechanical Engineering
GM FULL-TIME AWARD
- William Raines, Clarkston, MI, Clarkston High School, Class of ’24, Computer Science
GM CO-OP AWARD
- Brandon Bednarz, South Lyon, MI, Dexter High School, Class of ’24, Electrical Engineering
- Bryan Burkhardt, Goodrich, MI, Goodrich High School, Class of ’25, Mechanical Engineering
- Nicholas Dodge, Canton, MI, Salem High School, Class of ’26, Computer Engineering
- Ian Gibson, Highland, MI, Milford High School, Class of ’26, Electrical Engineering
- David Glover, St. Louis, MO, St. Mary's High School, Class of ’25, Computer Science
- Shane Hurley, Canton, MI, Canton High School, Class of ’26, Computer Engineering
- Ria Kapoor, Northville, MI, Northville High School, Class of ’28, Management
- Patrick Pilchowski, Highland, MI, Milford High School, Class of ’27, Electrical Engineering
- Anthony Ply, Lake Orion, MI, Lake Orion High School, Class of ’26, Mechanical Engineering
- Ethan Shaw, Howell, MI, Hartland High School, Class of ’24, Mechanical Engineering
- Christa Spencer, Ortonville, MI, Brandon High School, Class of ’24, Mechanical Engineering
FORD CO-OP AWARD
- Matthew Attisha, Shelby Township, MI, Utica Center for Math, Science and Technology, Class of ’24, Computer Engineering
- Douglas Ray, Rochester, MI, Stoney Creek High School, Class of ’24, Computer Engineering
- Andrew Ricard, Macomb, MI, Class of ’26, Computer Science
MAGNA CO-OP AWARD
- Luke Baysinger, St. Clair, MI, St. Clair High School, Class of ’24, Mechanical Engineering
BORGWARNER CO-OP AWARD
- Mason Dalrymple, Blanchard, MI, Montabella High School, Class of ’25, Mechanical Engineering
- Valeria Dillanes Gonzalez, Bahia De Banderas, MX, Harkness Institute, Class of ’28, Mechanical Engineering
- Jaydin Freeman, Auburn Hills, MI, Avondale High School, Class of ’25, Computer Science
- Matthias Mackay, Zionsville, IN, Lutheran High School, Class of ’25, Computer Engineering
- Xavier Omozokpia, Clinton Township, MI, DeLasalle High School, Class of ’24, Mechanical Engineering
- Alexis Taylor, Mount Clemens, MI, Chippewa Valley High School, Class of ’26, Industrial Engineering
HEMLOCK SEMICONDUCTOR CO-OP AWARD
- Rameira Davis, Flint, MI, Genesee Early College, Class of ’28, Chemical Engineering
- Andres Flores, Saginaw, MI, Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy, Class of ’26, Mechanical Engineering
BOSCH CO-OP AWARD
- Bassam Jehangir, Bedford, NH, Bedford High School, Class of ’26, Mechanical Engineering
- Jacob Nelson, Sterling Heights, MI, Cousino High School, Class of ’24, Mechanical Engineering
- Frank Tilli, Clarkston, MI, Detroit Country Day High School, Class of ’25, Computer Science
MAHLE CO-OP AWARD
- Benjamin Spore, Howell, MI, Howell High School, Class of ’24, Mechanical Engineering

Co-op

Why Industry Grabs ɫ����Ƶ Grads First: A Blueprint for Career-Ready Talent

University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan Shares How ɫ����Ƶ is Building the Next Generation of Innovators During the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference

“Your College Bound Kid” Podcast Goes Inside ɫ����Ƶ

Dr. McMahan Explores the Benefits of ɫ����Ƶ 50/50 Co-op Model with The TechEd Podcast

ɫ����Ƶ Senior Gains Competitive Edge with Cutting-Edge Robotic Cell

ɫ����Ƶ Announces New Class of MEDC Michigander Scholars

Tesla to ɫ����Ƶ Students: Show Us What You’ve Built

ɫ����Ƶ Student Pioneering Sustainable Aviation In More Ways Than One

ɫ����Ƶ Announces Largest New Class of MEDC Michigander Scholars

ɫ����Ƶ Announces 29 New MEDC Michigander Scholars Recipients

Why Industry Grabs ɫ��Ƶ Grads First: A Blueprint for Career-Ready Talent

University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan Shares How ɫ��Ƶ is Building the Next Generation of Innovators During the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference

“Your College Bound Kid” Podcast Goes Inside ɫ��Ƶ

Dr. McMahan Explores the Benefits of ɫ��Ƶ 50/50 Co-op Model with The TechEd Podcast

ɫ��Ƶ Senior Gains Competitive Edge with Cutting-Edge Robotic Cell

ɫ��Ƶ Announces New Class of MEDC Michigander Scholars

Tesla to ɫ��Ƶ Students: Show Us What You’ve Built

ɫ��Ƶ Student Pioneering Sustainable Aviation In More Ways Than One

ɫ��Ƶ Announces Largest New Class of MEDC Michigander Scholars

ɫ��Ƶ Announces 29 New MEDC Michigander Scholars Recipients