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Courtesy-Community Education Coalition

Honda gives Community Education Coalition $25,000 to support education for manufacturing careers

By LND Staff Jun 20, 2024 | 11:05 AM

COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Community Education Coalition (CEC) in Columbus announced Thursday it has been awarded a $25,000 contribution from Honda. It will support CEC’s “Education Pathways to Thriving Manufacturing Careers” project for underrepresented K-12 students with comprehensive education and career pathways in the manufacturing industry.

The contribution will fund the development of tailored information campaigns, workshops, hands-on learning opportunities, and community events designed to inspire students. The CEC aims to bridge the educational gap and foster a diverse local workforce by focusing on underserved communities, particularly low-income, Latino, Black, and Biracial students.

The project is set for the fall of 2024 through the spring of 2025, with plans for future expansion based on its success. The CEC will collaborate closely with local schools, employers, and community partners to ensure the program’s impact and sustainability.

The program will be implemented through two key components:

  1. Comprehensive Information Campaign: The CEC will launch a data-driven campaign aligned with programs offered at the AirPark Columbus College Campus that lead to roles in manufacturing. It will feature printed and digital materials detailing manufacturing career paths, salary information, and helpful resources.
  2. High-Impact Touchpoints: The Coalition will host various events and workshops for students, families, school counselors, and STEM teachers. These will include Lego Robotics Camps for hands-on STEM learning, guided manufacturing plant tours, and participation in events like Manufacturing Day, Es Posible, Exito Latino, and Ven y Conoce.

“We are grateful to Honda for their generous support,” said Kathy Oren, President/CEO of the CEC. “This contribution allows us to further our mission of increasing educational success connected to well-paying careers, focusing on equitable access for students from historically underserved communities. By providing these students with information on clear pathways, hands-on STEM experiences, and exposure to careers in the manufacturing industry, we are helping to build a stronger, more diverse workforce for our region.”