This grant provided funding to Pender County Schools to establish a classroom-to-career pathway for students to graduate high school with a certificate in mechatronics engineering technology. Students completing the high school pathway were equipped with the engineering principles and technical skills for entry-level technician positions in electronics, robotics, industrial manufacturing and electromechanical systems and were positioned to complete requirements for an Associate in Applied Science-Mechatronics Engineering Technology degree within three semesters after high school graduation. The initiative addressed the regional industry need for candidates with advanced technical skills. While students from all three high schools and the early college high school in Pender County were served, PCS offered pathway courses at one high school and at the early college high school and provided transportation to get the students there. Golden LEAF funds were used to purchase portable equipment sets and training system required to deliver mechatronics career pathway courses.
