Harper College awarded $25,000 for manufacturing training

The Illinois Manufacturers' Association Education Foundation has awarded Harper College $25,000 in scholarship funds for meeting a series of set standards and performing at a high level of active engagement to foster greater educational opportunities within the field of manufacturing. In 2012, Harper launched its Advanced Manufacturing program, helping fill vacant jobs within the Illinois manufacturing sector. The program offers students industry-endorsed skills certificates, state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, as well as paid internships with local manufacturers. "We are pleased that our Advanced Manufacturing Program met the IMA's rigorous standards and earned this important grant," said Harper College President Ken Ender. "Harper College truly displays all the qualities for which this scholarship program is intended," said Sandra Westlund-Deenihan, CEO of Quality Float Works Inc. in Schaumburg and a member of the board of the foundation. "I can attest that students participating in the educational programs at Harper College are leading the way in obtaining the training and skills to help fill the gap in the manufacturing industry."