JSCC Engineering Systems Technology program to participate in MTF-PIPE

The Jackson State Community College (JSCC) Engineering Systems Technology program was nominated by the Manufacturing Institute to participate in the Make the Future - Program Improvement Process for Equity (MTF-PIPE). The initiative seeks to close gender gaps in career pathways in traditionally male-dominated fields of advanced manufacturing. MTF-PIPE is a pilot program and JSCC is one of two organizations chosen to participate in the initiative.

Funded by the Toyota USA Foundation, the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity Education Foundation (NAPEEF) has been tasked with curating and facilitating best practices for increasing the participation and retention of women and girls and women and girls of color in STEM and CTE education that leads to careers in advanced manufacturing.

As a participant in this project, JSCC will be guided through a data-driven research process of recruiting women and girls into their Engineering Systems Technology program. According to JSCC completion coach Cathi Roberts, the hope is to connect females with opportunities in the manufacturing sector and to bring much-needed diversity into this male-dominated field. Roberts will be the key point of contact and the lead on this project for JSCC.

Local educational partners in the initiative include Jackson-Madison County School System, McNairy County CTE Director, West Carroll County CTE Director, Carroll County CTE Department, and the Ayers Foundation. Industry partners working with JSCC include Tyson, TBDN, TOYOTA TN, and Teknor Apex. The JSCC team includes Cathi Roberts, Cindy Werner, and Paula Fuller.

"We are excited to partner with a diverse group of stakeholders to improve access, equity, and outcomes for Tennessee's women and girls in manufacturing pathways," said Meagan Pollock, the NAPE trainer for JSCC. "The participants' passion and motivation are inspiring, and we are confident they will be able to activate the power of NAPE's Program Improvement Process for Equity to reach their unique goals."

The year-long project, which will run through December 2022, will have participants at JSCC complete a number of NAPE-led activities that will guide them through structured research and data-collection processes. The process will identify prospects for recruitment that will have greater chances for success in the manufacturing sector.