Independence Community College invites the regional manufacturing industry to join a new Business and Industry Leadership Team, which will actively contribute to enhancing training of future manufacturing industry technicians.
Known as BILT, this model originated with the National Science Foundation. Unliked customary “advisory boards,” industries involved in the BILT are co-leaders with the college, and their advice is vital and valued to the project. BILT members actively aid faculty and administration to improve programs. The BILT’s input designs curriculum to impart to students the knowledge, skills, and abilities for manufacturing industry employers.
“I am excited to partner with our industry partners through the BILT model,” said Taylor Crawshaw, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “This proven method will enhance opportunities for our students and the visibility for local industry.”
ICC’s first BILT-oriented project is titled Success in Mathematics through Project-Based Learning Experiences. Its purpose is to increase the number of prospective manufacturing industry employees by making course content more relevant to students through real-life activities. Training takes advantage of ICC’s on-campus MIT-affiliated digital fabrication lab. The project draws on research that shows hands-on application of lessons greatly helps students retain challenging math concepts and succeed where they have sometimes struggled. The greater success with mathematics among students, then the greater likelihood of future student interest and success in manufacturing fields.
The BILT’s aim is to help the college develop activities and hands-on experiences that give students the problem-solving and technical skills employers need.
For further information, contact Taylor Crawshaw, Vice President, Academic Affairs
(620) 332-5457 or e mail tcrawshaw@indycc.edu.