Danfoss, a leading manufacturer of high efficiency compressors, controls, and variable frequency drives for air-conditioning, heating, refrigeration and motion systems, recently announced the partnership of its Arkadelphia, Ark.-based facility with the local high school’s STEM Works program to facilitate the professional development of science, technology, engineering and math students.

STEM Works is a program implemented in 2011 by Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe and his Workforce Cabinet to help ensure the state’s workforce will be able to meet escalating demands for employees in high-tech fields.

The partnership between Danfoss and Arkadelphia High School, a nationally-recognized STEM school, is designed to foster opportunities for students to experience first-hand the United States’ increasingly in-demand careers in engineering and technology, and learn about working for a global manufacturer with research and development activities throughout the world.

Specifically, according to Elva Arista, human resources business partner at Danfoss, “This partnership is about sharing our passion for engineering and technology with our next generation workforce.” The company is the first in the Arkadelphia region to collaborate with the school in support of the STEM program.

Bud McMillion, lead New Technology instructor at Arkadelphia High School, commented, “Despite having access to advanced design programs and equipment in our classrooms, we need avenues for our students to see how the theoretical concepts and basic projects apply in actual manufacturing settings. We are very appreciative of the resources, insight and effort the local Danfoss team has put forth for our students.”

Danfoss Hosts Students Onsite

In February, Danfoss hosted more than 80 students for two days at the Arkadelphia facility, where the company manufactures high efficiency and variable speed compressors for air-conditioning and refrigeration systems.

Over the next several months, more students will continue to visit the facility, where Danfoss employees will offer further insight into the fields of engineering and manufacturing. Additionally, Danfoss will provide the students with a hands-on project, mentoring and other activities, such as “Lunch with an Engineer” and “Young Innovators Competition.”

“One of the most effective ways to reinforce classroom learning is to allow students to see the concepts at work,” McMillion said. “Having Danfoss partner with our New Tech program allows just that – in and out of the classroom – by providing time for an engineer to be in our design classes and by allowing those classes to tour their facility.”

The compressor facility is ISO 9001 and 14000 certified, as well as ISO/TS16949 compliant.

Energy Use and the Future Workforce

For Danfoss, this partnership is only a portion of a new three-part initiative developed by the Arkadelphia facility’s management team to engage with and support the local community, and help foster a life-long passion for engineering and technology careers among students of all ages.

“Danfoss is committed to manufacturing high efficiency products for buildings that help save energy and improve the environmental impact of a building today, while also looking forward to tomorrow’s designs and energy demands,” commented Paul Dean, general manager at Danfoss in Arkadelphia. “The building sector alone consumes 40 percent of all energy used in the United States, and the need for an innovative workforce will only increase as the demands on our country’s energy resources and infrastructure strengthen.”

“We believe that the students who emerge from the STEM Works program – and other STEM programs around the country, will play a vital role in the impact of our industry on the future of energy. But, it’s also important that the United States move forward with transformative energy policy that will ensure opportunities and job growth in these high-tech fields.”

Developing a larger and more robust base of STEM graduates is one of the Obama Administration’s education priorities.

About Danfoss:

Danfoss is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high efficiency electronic and mechanical components and controls for air-conditioning, heating, refrigeration and motion systems. We operate in more than 100 countries, employ 25,740 people, and hold more than 1,800 patents on a wide range of products. Our innovative, reliable products are backed by local sales and support to help our customers solve their greatest challenges. With its visionary and committed employees, Danfoss meets the needs of its customers through its EnVisioneering^SM partnerships. EnVisioneering focuses on developing new technologies for sustainable business growth through engineering innovation, energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. For more information about Danfoss, visit: www.danfoss.us. For more information about EnVisioneering, visit:www.envisioneering.danfoss.com.