The recent donation of 570 engines to several Midwest educational institutions was done by Kohler in an effort to increase students’ interests in careers as engineers and small engine technicians. Kohler’s donations included both gas and diesel engines. These engines will be used in coursework at high schools, technical schools and universities designed to provided hands-on experience while building small-engine knowledge. Coursework will focus on assembly and disassembly, components, torque values, engineering processes, the general functioning of combustion engines, and more.
“As a leader in the engines market, we believe it’s our responsibility to help train future engineers and service technicians,” said Brian Melka, vice president of Kohler Engines, Americas. “Through donations like these, we hope to continue encouraging best practices and driving innovation in the industry.”
More than 34 educational institutions and organizations throughout the Midwest received and engine donation. One benefactor of Kohler’s engine donation program, Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) in Appleton, WI, received 46 engines this year for hands-on experience for its service technician program. Another school, Marquette University in Milwaukee, received 11 engines for its College of Engineering program. In addition, 27 high schools in six states—Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Ohio, and Florida—received a total of 513 engines.
The donations are valued at more than $40,000. Kohler is planning to make additional donations to other universities and organizations later this year.
