Norco College received notification this week of a renewal award for its National Center for Supply Chain Automation (SCA). Funded through a grant from the National Science Foundation under its Advanced Technological Education Program, SCA is one of only 42 National Centers throughout the US. The five-year $4 million award will allow Norco College’s SCA to continue its work and expand into 19 states with the greatest concentration of supply chain activity. It will also allow the SCA to host a National Symposium for Supply Chain Automation, establish a nationally recognized industry certification for the occupation, establish a model apprenticeship program at the state and federal levels, and increase the number of individuals from underrepresented populations entering into supply chain automation.
“This is incredible news for Norco College and our partners,” said Kevin Fleming, dean of Career and Technical Education. “Over the next five years, we will continue to put state-of-the-art education programs in place that successfully move students through high school and community college and university, preparing them for challenging, good-paying jobs in this fast-growing career field.”
- Norco College received their first $3.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation in 2011.
- In its first five years of operation, the Center:
- Established a strong, committed industry leadership team with membership that includes Target, FedEx Ground, UPS, Cardinal Health, Toyota and others.
- Conducted a national survey of supply chain employers to identify needs.
- Developed a model program of study for the occupation of supply chain technician.
- Produced a variety of instructional support materials for the model program, including career awareness lesson plans, course outlines, videos, white papers, and an electronic e-textbook titled
- Introduction to the Automated Warehouse, which was published on the Apple iBookstore in July 2015.
- Acquired educational collaborators who have adopted our content in 10 states.
“Norco College is thrilled with this opportunity for students to continue to advance with technology and receive hands-on experience. This National Science Foundation grant is vital in providing the college with the resources to contribute positively to college-to-career pathways on regional and national levels,” said Monica Green, Norco College interim president.
The mission of the National Center for Supply Chain Automation, hosted by Norco College, is to increase the number of highly-skilled supply chain technicians to meet the increasing national demand.