Strategic Development Group (SDG), a corporate site selection and incentive negotiation firm, has donated $6,000 to the Greenville Tech Foundation to provide scholarship assistance for students in manufacturing-related programs at Greenville Technical College’s Center for Manufacturing Innovation.
These scholarships will be awarded to students enrolled in Mechatronics, CNC Machining, Machine Tool Technology, and the Bachelor of Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing Technology. SDG has an interest in helping to increase the skillset and competitiveness of the local manufacturing workforce and has a history of supporting workforce readiness in the communities they call home. By providing scholarships, they are helping to build the pipeline of skilled workers that the industry so critically needs while offering a pathway to success for many.
"At Strategic Development Group, we work with global companies trying to identify the right community for their next manufacturing facility. These clients tell us every day that finding a well-qualified workforce is critical to their success,” says Jeannette Goldsmith, vice president with SDG. “We believe strongly that improving the skills of people in the workforce will improve their ability to find a well-paying job in advanced manufacturing. SDG hopes this donation will help people in our community improve their quality-of-life while at the same time helping manufacturers be successful."
The Greenville Technical College Center for Manufacturing Innovation (CMI) provides an engaging environment that gives students the tools needed to succeed in advanced manufacturing careers and employers the skilled workforce required for commercial success. An innovative curriculum features integrated project-based learning experiences on real-world projects.
“Receiving a scholarship means students have an opportunity to be successful,” says Kelvin Byrd, dean of the School of Advanced Manufacturing and Transportation Technology at Greenville Technical College. “In addition, this scholarship shows that there is support for our students, which can ease financial struggles and positively impact educational outcomes.”
“When employers join with educators to create a skilled workforce, the entire community benefits,” says Ann Wright, vice president for advancement with the Greenville Tech Foundation. “We are grateful to Strategic Development Group for meeting manufacturing hiring challenges head on, giving students opportunities while ensuring that our economy can grow.”