Oakton receives $100,000 gift for STEM programs

The Oakton Community College Educational Foundation announced it received a gift of $100,000 from an anonymous donor from the Winnetka area in late December to support scholarships and programs in areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics as well as manufacturing.

"Oakton is thankful for the generosity of our donors and is excited about the impact this gift will have on our students and programs," said Oakton Executive Director of Development Mary Knight. "Gifts to the Oakton Educational Foundation are vital to student success and transform many lives of those living in our community."

Oakton's STEM courses include biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physics. The college's nanotechnology training program includes a 31-credit-hour nanotechnology certificate that incorporates basic science "building blocks," college-level nanotechnology courses, access to internship opportunities and hands-on experience with state-of-the-art lab equipment. Additionally, STEM research courses allow students to jump into a "real world" research project and present findings at a STEM symposium.

Oakton's manufacturing technology programs provide students and industry with comprehensive advanced manufacturing training. The annual one-day Manufacturing Expo - a partnership between Oakton and local businesses and schools - offers local high school students the opportunity to discover the new world of manufacturing by incorporating speakers, workshops and tours of nearby manufacturing facilities.

Foundation gifts provide opportunity and resources for students to achieve their educational dreams. To learn more about the Oakton Educational Foundation, visit www.oakton.edu/giving.