Wilkes University has secured over $1.2 million in grant funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to bolster innovation and workforce development initiatives in the region. This funding will support two key projects aimed at enhancing technology education and fostering collaboration between academic institutions and industry partners.
Greg Cant, President of Wilkes University, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “This is a tremendous achievement for our faculty as well as the greater community.” The grants will fund projects titled “Experiential Learning for Artificial Intelligence-Driven Robotics in Northeast Pennsylvania (EXPLOR-NEPA)” and “Building Relationships in Innovation and Development for Growth in Emerging Technologies (BRIDGE-TECH).” Both initiatives address critical technological needs and emphasize the importance of education and community engagement.
Focus on Education and Collaboration
The EXPLOR-NEPA initiative, a three-year program funded by the NSF’s Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) program, aims to provide hands-on learning experiences in artificial intelligence and robotics. Principal investigator Abas Sabouni, a professor of mechanical engineering, highlighted the collaborative efforts involved in creating the proposals, describing the process as “intensive but rewarding.” Alongside Sabouni, Edward Bednarz III, Asif Khan, and Yong Zhu contributed their expertise to develop a program that not only meets educational needs but also encourages future teamwork among stakeholders.
The faculty identified a significant gap in technology education access, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds. “We identified an urgent need to introduce artificial intelligence and robotics concepts earlier in the educational pipeline,” said Sabouni. The initiative will work directly with local school districts to enhance students’ hands-on technology experiences.
In conjunction with EXPLOR-NEPA, the BRIDGE-TECH project aims to connect high school students with early exposure to AI-driven robotics and automation. This collaboration with Production Systems Automation and local high schools will provide structured learning, mentorship, and dual enrollment opportunities for students to earn college credits.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Sabouni noted the potential for growth, stating, “We hope to expand the program to additional school districts, integrate new technologies such as autonomous drones and smart manufacturing systems, and continue refining our experiential learning framework.” The focus remains on adapting to the rapidly changing technological landscape, ensuring that students are well-prepared for future careers in these vital fields.
Overall, the support from the National Science Foundation represents a significant investment in the educational and technological advancement of the northeastern Pennsylvania region. The commitment to fostering collaboration between educational institutions and industry is expected to have a long-lasting impact, creating a sustainable model for innovation and workforce development.
