Monroe County Community College (MCCC) and the DTE Energy Foundation today celebrated the 10th anniversary of their partnership in MCCC’s Nuclear Engineering Technology (NUET) Program. The NUET program was established in response to increasing demand for highly skilled professionals in the nuclear power industry in the region including DTE’s Fermi 2 nuclear power plant
“At the DTE Foundation, we aspire to be a force for growth in the communities where we live and serve,” said Lynette Dowler, president of the DTE Foundation. “But, even more, we want to provide hope and inspiration to communities making a difference. MCCC is the same. We want to help our community – the Monroe community – by providing opportunity for our students. This is why the Foundation has supported MCCC students for nearly three decades, equipping them for rewarding careers and retain top talent in our great state.”
The DTE Foundation’s $20,000 grant will be used to establish the DTE Energy Foundation Excellence in S.T.E.M. Endowed Program Fund at MCCC. The annual proceeds from the fund will advance, improve and support S.T.E.M. learning at MCCC in applied technology programs, including new equipment, recruitment, field trips, summer camps, mentorships, tutoring and programmatic student scholarships. As the endowment increases through interest earned on investments and additional donations, the amount available for program funding will increase.
“We use a learning approach that emphasizes both theory and hands-on skills to work in the technical environment of the nuclear industry,” said Martin Dubois, assistant professor of mechanical engineering technology at MCCC and instructional lead for the NUET program. “DTE employees were instrumental in creating the curriculum for the program and several instructors from DTE provide most of the direct instruction.”
The associate of applied science degree with specialization in nuclear engineering technology at MCCC enables students to seek employment as nuclear engineering technicians in the nuclear power industry. Graduates of the program are prepared for entry-level employment as electrical technicians, instrumentation and control (I&C) technicians and mechanical technicians. With additional training, often provided by employers, graduates can be prepared for a position as a non-licensed operator, radiation protection technician or senior reactor operator. The program is based on the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program (NUCP), a uniform standard administered by the Nuclear Energy Institute. Students who complete the program with an 80 percent score (B or better) in core classes qualify for the NUCP Certificate, which is recognized industry wide.
A video highlighting the history of the NUET program at MCCC was produced in celebration of the anniversary and is available at https://www.monroeccc.edu/programs/nuclear-engineering-technology.
For more information about the NUET program visit and www.monroeccc.edu/programs/nuclear-engineering-technology or call 734-384-4112. For general information about applying and enrolling at MCCC, financial aid opportunities and more visit www.monroeccc.edu or call 734-384-4104.
About The Foundation at Monroe County Community College
The Foundation at Monroe County Community College is the charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the educational and cultural experience of our students and community. The Foundation at MCCC leverages voluntary support from donors to enhance the educational, literary, scientific, and cultural experience by helping Monroe County Community College meet its mission. The Foundation at MCCC touches thousands of lives each year through cultural arts programs, scholarships, and educational initiatives that guide and shape the business and civic leaders of tomorrow. Just as important, The Foundation offers a means for individuals of all ages and walks of life to express their philanthropy, act on their concerns, and follow the dictates of their hearts. For more information about The Foundation at MCCC visit www.monroeccc.edu/foundation.
About Monroe County Community College
Founded in 1964, Monroe County Community College is a public, two-year institution supported by tax monies from Monroe County, educational funds from the State of Michigan and student tuition. The college’s mission is to enrich lives in our community by providing opportunity through student-focused, affordable, quality higher education and other learning experiences. The Main Campus is located at 1555 South Raisinville Road, Monroe, Mich., 48161, with easy access to Toledo and Detroit. The Whitman Center is located in Temperance, Mich., 48182, near the Ohio-Michigan Border. Detailed information about MCCC is available at www.monroeccc.edu.
About the DTE Foundation
The DTE Foundation is the philanthropic arm of DTE Energy, continuing the legacy of community support and involvement of its electric and natural gas utilities, which serve 2.3 million electric customers in Southeast Michigan and 1.3 million natural gas customers in Michigan. In 2020, the DTE Energy Foundation provided more than $16 million in grant support and approximately $21 million in COVID relief to nonprofits where the company has a business presence. As one of Michigan's leading corporate citizens, DTE Energy is a force for growth and prosperity in communities across Michigan in a variety of ways, including philanthropy, volunteerism and economic progress. Visit DTEFoundation.com to learn more.
About DTE Energy
DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric company serving 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers in Michigan. The DTE portfolio also includes non-utility businesses focused on industrial energy services, renewable natural gas, and energy marketing and trading. As an environmental leader, DTE utility operations will reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions by more than 80% by 2040 to produce cleaner energy while keeping it safe, reliable and affordable. DTE Electric and Gas aspire to achieve net zero carbon and greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. DTE is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.