Grant funds STEM teacher training
Jul 3, 2025Six local Career and Technical Education teachers underwent training at Rockingham Community College last month to gain knowledge and skills to become certified to teach Mechatronics.
Teachers who took advantage of this opportunity were Mary Catherine Huss of Holmes Middle School, Deborah Kay Hooker of Western Rockingham Middle School, Beatrice Barber of Morehead High School, John Butler and Caleb Arbor of McMichael High School, and Joseph Adams of Bethany Charter School.
The group learned about mechanical, electrical, and control technology, and gained skills in operating and maintaining pneumatics, electrical systems, sensors, actuators, and controls. By working with real-world automation devices, the teachers enhanced their skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).
A $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation funded the Mechatronics NC3 training, led by NC3 Master Instructor John Pendleton, who serves as RCC’s Mechatronics Engineering Technology faculty and program coordinator.
Following the two-day training, the six participants were ready to complete the NC3 Exam.
The training was funded by a $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation.
“Rockingham Community College was thrilled to receive the grant to support this advanced manufacturing workshop for local Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers. This funding would have supported 10 middle and high school teachers from Rockingham County Schools to earn credentials so they can offer an Introduction to Mechatronics certification to middle and high school students,” said David Dillard, dean of Applied and Industrial Technologies at Rockingham Community College.
“This means more students will have access to hands-on training in advanced manufacturing, automation, and engineering technology – opening doors to high-paying, high-tech careers. Thanks to this partnership, we’re equipping the next generation with the skills they need to succeed in advanced technologies and beyond.”
RCC offers a two-year associate degree in Mechatronics Engineering Technology. Students learn to use basic engineering principles and technical skills to design, build, and test automated and electromechanical systems. Students learn how to test prototypes, analyze systems, and perform maintenance and repairs.
