Wilkes University has been awarded over $1.2 million in grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to foster innovation and workforce development in the region. The funding will support two key projects aimed at enhancing technology education and addressing critical needs in the area.
Greg Cant, President of Wilkes University, expressed his enthusiasm about the funding, stating, “This is a tremendous achievement for our faculty as well as the greater community.” The projects, named “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),” are designed to strengthen academic and industry collaborations, ultimately promoting innovation across the region.
Focus on Technology Education and Collaboration
The NSF grant for EXPLOR-NEPA will fund a three-year initiative that emphasizes experiential learning in the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics. This project is supported by the NSF’s Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) program. Led by Abas Sabouni, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Chair of the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Department, the project was developed in collaboration with fellow faculty members, including Edward Bednarz III, Asif Khan, and Yong Zhu.
Sabouni described the proposal process as an “intensive but rewarding experience,” highlighting the collaboration involved in crafting comprehensive proposals that aim to facilitate sustainable educational initiatives. “The long-term impact will be a sustainable model for connecting education, innovation and industry in the northeastern Pennsylvania region and beyond,” he added.
Through discussions with local school districts and industry partners, the faculty identified an urgent need for increased access to hands-on technology experiences. “We identified an urgent need to introduce artificial intelligence and robotics concepts earlier in the educational pipeline and to expand access for students from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds,” noted Sabouni.
BRIDGE-TECH Initiative and Future Plans
The BRIDGE-TECH project will focus specifically on providing high school students in the area with early exposure to AI-driven robotics and automation technologies. This initiative will incorporate structured hands-on learning, mentorship, and dual enrollment opportunities that allow students to earn college credits. The program is led by Wilkes University in collaboration with Production Systems Automation and local high schools.
Sabouni expressed hope for the program’s expansion, 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 to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.”
The NSF grants signify a critical step towards enhancing technology education and fostering innovation in Northeast Pennsylvania. The initiatives aim not only to equip students with essential skills but also to bridge gaps between education and industry, ensuring a prepared workforce for the future.
