WASHINGTON, D.C. – Both houses of Congress have passed legislation that will motivate U.S. universities and qualified organizations to strengthen their manufacturing education programs. The goal is to prepare students in meeting the demands of the modern manufacturing industry.
The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is based on the Manufacturing Universities legislation, led by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). President Obama is expected to sign the NDAA into law in the coming weeks.
The bill will authorize the Department of Defense to support industry-relevant, manufacturing-focused, engineering training at U.S. universities and qualified organizations, including non-profits. Universities and organizations would be selected through a competitive grant-based process and required to better align their educational offerings with the needs of modern U.S. manufacturers.
“Manufacturing has evolved over the years and we need to ensure engineering programs meet the demands of 21st century manufacturing," said Senator Coons.
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