Students in Statler College's Robotics Technology and Engineering Technology programs are already seeing the impact of FY 2024 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) investments supported by U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito and former U.S. Senator Joe Manchin. This newly installed, industry-relevant equipment is enhancing hands-on learning, helping students remain competitive in high-demand fields while driving growing enrollment.
WVU Robotics Technology Program
Students working with robotics equipment in one of the robotics education laboratories.
The Robotics Technology program grew out of years of nationally competitive research and student teams into a formal Robotics Engineering Bachelor of Science degree, launched in Fall 2024. The program builds on more than a decade of success in elite competitions such as the University Rover Challenge and other prestigious NASA-sponsored challenges.
CDS funding supported the creation and enhancement of three dedicated robotics education laboratories outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment. According to Dr. Jason Gross, chair of the Department of Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering, the investment has expanded hands-on learning opportunities.
“This support has been instrumental in developing and establishing new robotic manipulators lab, revamping our mobile robotics hands-on education, and transforming our indoor robotics testing facility to feature a new mixed-reality capability. These educational spaces have helped us launch the new robotics engineering program and are already benefiting the more than 75 students enrolled in new our robotics engineering major (21 students), robotics area of emphasis within mechanical engineering (49 students) and robotics engineering minor (8 students).”
WVU Engineering Technology Program
One of the CNC Machines in the Lane Innovation Hub.
The Engineering Technology program, launched in 2023, helps meet growing workforce demand for graduates with practical, hands-on technical skills. CDS funding has accelerated the program’s growth by supporting the installation of industry-scale equipment, including CNC machines and advanced measurement tools that reflect the technology students will use in the workforce.
The impact has been immediate. Enrollment has grown from 30 students in Fall 2023 to more than 100 today. Students gain hands-on experience that improves understanding of complex engineering concepts, while faculty training and student certification opportunities help graduates remain competitive and workforce ready.
Early results are strong. Recent graduates are already employed in related fields, and employers consistently cite hands-on training as a key advantage. The upgraded labs also continue to play a major role in recruitment, making a strong impression on prospective students and families during campus visits.