TCC awarded nearly $500,000 from the Office of Naval Research

Tidewater Community College has been awarded a $495,216 grant from the Office of Naval Research to develop and implement a partnership program with Old Dominion University that enables TCC graduates to seamlessly transfer their associate degree toward a bachelor’s in general engineering technology with an emphasis in mechatronics.

When developed, the program will expand TCC’s mechatronics program by adding a track for maritime mechatronics, providing business, industry and public sector employers with a larger pool of skilled technicians.

“We are thrilled to provide employers with a pipeline of highly-qualified and trained students who are ready to work in this growing industry,” said TCC President Edna V. Baehre-Kolovani. “And we know that our graduates are landing full-time jobs that enable them to earn a good living.”

The initial effort will reach out to high school students by introducing them to mechatronics careers through dual enrollment classes. An additional effort will focus on mapping out needed technical skills for maritime mechatronics technicians and engineering technologists.

Using this dual approach, curriculum materials will be developed ultimately enabling faculty to provide lecture and hands-on laboratory work to prepare students for in-demand careers in maritime mechatronics.