An engineering learning center

In 1995 Kansas State University Advanced Manufacturing Institute established a center dedicated to enhancing the education of engineers who are focused on careers in the manufacturing industries. This paper describes how the Center provides a unique active/cooperative learning experience for engineering, high school, and technical institute students and technical assistance to Kansas manufacturers. The Center, housed in a 2000 m/sup 2/ building in an industrial park about 2 km from the main KSU campus, is staffed by five full-time engineering professionals, two full-time technicians, four full-time office staff 65+ part-time undergraduate and graduate students, and six high school students. Seven KSU faculty members serve as part-time program and project consultants and assist in recruiting interns. In addition six engineers from the NIST/Manufacturing Extension Partnership Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center help with joint projects. Projects include new product and manufacturing-process development, modification of existing products and processes, engineering analysis and testing, and equipment design and fabrication. Industries served vary greatly from construction, foundry, and agriculture to printing, transportation, and food processing. Students gain valuable experience in all phases of the projects such as project planning and management, developing specifications developing concept and detailed designs, working with vendors, writing final reports and making formal presentations to customers.