Cotter Receives Major Gift from The Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation for New Engineering Program

Cotter Schools is the grateful recipient of a major contribution from The Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation given to support the acquisition of equipment for the new engineering program at Cotter Schools.

President of Cotter Schools, Mary Eileen Fitch, expresses her gratitude, stating “This gift allows us to purchase advanced manufacturing equipment and tools and provides our students the opportunity to gain exposure and experience in industry best practices while still in the classroom. The gift is truly transformative, and our students are already benefiting from the equipment during these first few weeks of school.”

This Fall, Cotter Schools implemented a new engineering program for students in grades 7-12. All students in grades 7 and 8 will be taking programming and robotics courses and will have the opportunity to work with additive and subtractive manufacturing tools, 3D printers, and ground and air drones. Students in grades 9 through 12 can take advanced computer science courses and a series of new engineering courses titled “Industry 4.0”. These classes include lessons related to mechatronics, industrial robotics, smart sensors, and data analytics, and are offered in a lab space equipped with new equipment, including a FANUC industrial robot.

This new engineering program has been designed to prepare students for engineering and technology careers and to provide a hands-on learning experience that develops skills closely connected to the workforce needs of the future. Students who complete engineering courses can also earn occupational certifications through the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) which are recognized for college credit. Cotter Schools is the second school in the state of Minnesota that is considered a SACA member institution.

Eric Paulsen, Cotter Schools engineering teacher said, “Thanks to The Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation, our engineering program with Industry 4.0 courses and SACA certifications is ready to prepare students for future careers. The students are excited and actively involved, making the most of this hands-on learning experience.”

The Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation is deeply committed to supporting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education initiatives. By investing substantial resources to enhance learning opportunities, offer scholarships, and foster career exploration through robotics and instructor training programs, the Foundation underscores the importance of advancements in manufacturing and education for both current and future leaders. Their unwavering dedication helps build a stronger future workforce, reflecting their mission to nurture the potential and aspirations of the next generation of innovators.

This partnership supports the ability of Cotter Schools to prepare students for careers of the future and is an example of how Cotter Schools empowers students to achieve their full potential.