Wilkes University has been awarded over $1.2 million in grant funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enhance innovation and workforce development in the region. This funding will support two significant projects aimed at addressing critical technology needs within Northeast Pennsylvania.
Greg Cant, the university’s president, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “This is a tremendous achievement for our faculty as well as the greater community.” The two initiatives, titled “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),” will focus on technology education, academic-industry partnerships, and fostering innovation.
Projects Aimed at Strengthening Technology Skills
The EXPLOR-NEPA program is a three-year initiative funded by the NSF’s Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) program. Abas Sabouni, professor of mechanical engineering and chair of the mechanical and electrical engineering department, serves as a principal investigator on both projects. He described the proposal process as intensive yet rewarding, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that led to comprehensive proposals. “The long-term impact will be a sustainable model for connecting education, innovation, and industry in the northeastern Pennsylvania region and beyond,” Sabouni noted.
Collaborators on EXPLOR-NEPA include Edward Bednarz III, Asif Khan, and Yong Zhu, all faculty members within the mechanical and electrical engineering department. Their ongoing partnerships with local school districts and industry partners have highlighted a crucial demand 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,” Sabouni said.
BRIDGE-TECH, another initiative led by Wilkes in collaboration with Production Systems Automation and local high schools, aims to provide high school students with early exposure to AI-driven robotics and automation. The program will include structured hands-on learning, mentorship, and dual enrollment opportunities allowing students to earn college credit.
Future Goals for Educational Innovation
The team has ambitious plans for the future of these programs. “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,” Sabouni stated.
With this funding, Wilkes University is positioning itself as a leader in technology education, addressing local workforce needs while preparing students for careers in a technology-driven economy. The initiatives reflect a commitment to innovation and community engagement, providing students with vital skills and opportunities for the future.
