The new Fluid Power Lab Grant Program is moving along. Nine colleges and universities have submitted grant applications requesting funding to establish a new lab at their institution. During this first year, one grant (up to $100,000) will be awarded to establish a state-of-the-art lab at the most qualifying school. The goal of the program is to engage students in actively learning about hydraulics and pneumatics so that they enter the workforce with a solid foundation in fluid power. The second phase of the program will match schools that already have labs with companies that have pledged to donate materials, parts and components.



Part of the grant requirement is that applicants must be members of NFPA. As a result of this process, two new schools have become educator members—Lawrence Technological University and the University of Pittsburgh. In addition, Clemson University has added its Mechanical Engineering Department as a new member, joining the school’s International Center for Automotive Research which was already a member.

A review committee is currently evaluating the nine applications. A decision should be made sometime in late May, with work on the new lab to begin at the start of the next school year. We extend a special thank you to our member companies that sent personal letters of invitation and met with their local colleges and universities to encourage them to submit grant applications.

If you have questions or need further information, contact Carrie Tatman Schwartz at 414-778-3347 or ctschwatz@nfpa.com.