6 companies that support education in Nevada

Nelson Mandela said it best: “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” These meaningful words are still true. Consider this. If all adults on the planet completed secondary education, that would lift 420 million people out of poverty. In other words, broader education could cut poverty in half!

Education is essentially an investment in society. Northern Nevada is fortunate to host many companies that put education first. They include globally recognized brands such as Tesla, and regionally renowned brands such as Dolan Auto Group.

Regardless of their geographic sphere of influence, these brands recognize the importance of investing in education to maintain economic competitiveness and long-term prosperity. Let's take a look at five companies that support education in Nevada.

Image source: Motivating Innovative Learning and Outreach: K-12 Robotics Center | University of Nevada, Reno | University of Nevada, Reno

Tesla's contributions to K-12 and higher education

In 2018, Tesla began investing approximately $7,500,000 annually in the Nevada Department of Education's “Educational Gift Fund.” As of April 2022, the total investment is $22,500,000, with a final goal of $37,500,000.

How is this funding used? Highlights include an after-school robotics program serving more than 4,100 students. Moreover, the company facilitates the education of thousands of students in the field of robotics in classroom learning through professional training and electives.

The large-scale demonstration of these robotics programs is facilitated by the Desert Research Institute (DRI) and Nevada Robotics Corporation. In 2018, DRI received a grant from Tesla to fund and support Nevada Robotics, representing the initial investment in the program. Along with robotics programs, Tesla has helped schools with student-led sustainability initiatives that have saved more than $132,000 in energy costs. These efforts complement Tesla's mission of accelerating the planet's transition to renewable energy sources.

Besides supporting K-12 education, Tesla has also contributed significantly to higher education in the region. The company is committed to supporting the advanced manufacturing program at Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC). This program provides students with much-needed technical skills for employment at Tesla's Nevada Gigafactory. More than 120 students have completed these advanced manufacturing courses to date.

TMCC offers three apprenticeship programs in collaboration with Tesla. These programs include the Manufacturing Development Program (MDP), Tools and Dies, and START. MDP prepares high school seniors to embark on a successful manufacturing career with the company.

The Tools and Dies Apprenticeship gives registrants an advanced skillset in creating and manufacturing large format metal stamping dies. Finally, the START program provides continuing education for current Tesla quality technicians. Program participants receive foundational and technical knowledge for their current jobs while preparing them for advancement.

Image source: Dermody Properties Foundation awards grant to For Kids Foundation

Dermody Properties' commitment to scholarships

What other company is committed to education in Northern Nevada? Dermody properties. In 1988, the company established Dermody Real Estate. This foundation supports the arts, education, and families in need.

The Dermody Properties Foundation has donated more than $3.67 million to nonprofit organizations nationwide in recent years. The company has a history of supporting continuing education in Northern Nevada through scholarships. These scholarships include the Amy Behl Scholarship from the Northern Nevada Women's Fund, the University of Nevada Scholarship, the Reno Foundation Scholarship, and the Truckee Meadows Community College Foundation Scholarship.

CEO Michael C. Dermody also supports UNR through his personal resources. Scholarships funded include the University of Nevada, Reno, and the Dr. M. Ronald Avery College of Medicine Scholarship for Medical Students.

What Do Dermody Scholarships Mean for Northern Nevada Students? “My whole life, I have wanted to earn a college degree and start my career,” explains one Truckee Meadows Community Foundation scholarship recipient. “Yet the one thing that keeps holding me back is money. Thank you… for allowing me to follow my dreams and work to improve my life and the lives of those around me.” around me”.

In addition to providing support to education providers, the Dermody Foundation has also supported efforts to provide free parent education and resources to parents of school-age children. This is done through the Children's Cabinet, which Dermody co-founded.

Image Source Business School Welcomes Elemental LED as Newest Corporate Partner | University of Nevada, Reno

The LED element collaborated with the University of Nevada, Reno

Elemental LED is a Reno-based organization that designs, manufactures and sells environmentally friendly lighting solutions. As the largest provider of low voltage linear lighting in North America, the company supports lighting innovations around the world. To facilitate this, Elemental LED holds patents in various fields, including LED lighting drivers, optics, power and related components and electrical circuits.

How is the company making a significant impact on education in the Reno-Tahoe area? In 2021, it teamed up with the University of Nevada, Reno College of Business as a new institutional partner. Such institutional partnerships remain essential to achieving the business school's goal of providing students with a high-level education and plenty of real-world experience.

“We have tremendous growth expected for our company, and we will need to hire people who are innovative, dependable, motivated, and actively willing to solve problems,” notes Randy Hollishaw, President and CEO of Elemental LED. “We are confident that the University of Nevada, Reno, has the talent we are looking for in the future.” .

By supporting higher education, Elemental LED has built a pipeline of talent as the company continues to expand. Furthermore, corporate partners provide essential feedback to the business school about the preparedness of the students they teach. It also enhances important networking opportunities, paving the way for a smooth transition between academia and the workplace.

Image Source Renowned College of Health and Orvis School of Nursing Announce Academic Partnership Program and Academic Pipeline for Nursing Students | Famous health

Renowned Health and the next generation of healthcare workers

Renown Health is a not-for-profit health system dedicated to meeting the medical needs of Northern Nevada. It relies on fundraising efforts through the Renown Health Foundation to provide the community with high-quality care services.

Providing the best care to society includes training new generations of health care providers and workers. As a result, Renown Health, the University of Nevada and Orvis College of Nursing in Reno have fostered a long-term partnership. This partnership offers up to 24 nursing students annually with full scholarships.

Results? Creating a sustainable nursing workforce in Northern Nevada. Furthermore, the Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic Practice Partnership provides recipients with the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship at Renown.

“These funds…not only impact the lives of our award-winning nursing students but positively impact the overall health of our community by ensuring that outstanding health care professionals remain here in Northern Nevada,” explains Greg Wallitis, chief development officer for Rennon Health. It's a win-win for UNR and the community.

Image source submissions are now open for the Dolan Class project

Dolan Automotive Group's dedication to providing quality education

Family-owned Dolan Auto Group is taking the community to the next level with its annual Class Project. This results in thousands of dollars being donated to area schools. In 2023, the automotive group will contribute $100,000 to the cause. One lucky school will receive $25,000, and 15 classrooms will each receive $5,000.

To win this award, schools or classrooms must demonstrate how the funds will be used to improve the students' learning experience. Schools should also develop an idea for a community-wide project led by their students.

The Dolan Class Project began in 2011 and has evolved from a way to give back to the community into a broad community partnership. During the announcement of the 2022 winners, Ryan Dolan, CEO of Dolan Automotive Group, said: “Watching the amazing educators and students in our region come together to showcase their creativity and dream up ways to improve our community is one of the highlights of our year. “.

Image source: ITS Logistics and University of Nevada, Reno

ITS Logistics and the University of Nevada, Reno

Another company that supports education in Northern Nevada is ITS Logistics. It has established strong relationships with the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), which led to the creation of the new logistics program.

Fully funded by ITS, the Logistics program will be offered by the College of Business and represents one of four new industry-focused programs that will continue to help UNR students excel in various aspects of enterprise. It will also provide a much-needed pipeline of professional supply chain talent to the region.

Greg Mosier, dean of the College of Business, praises ITS Logistics' continued commitment to higher education. “ITS Logistics has been a great partner with the Business School and has employed many of our outstanding students and graduates as they build their businesses,” he explains.

Speaking more specifically about the logistics programme, he adds: “This program will take our partnership to a higher level as we offer a degree with industry-specific knowledge to our students who are seeking a career in logistics.” Educational partnerships with industry leaders will continue to pave the way for robust educational experiences that ensure an exceptional talent pool in Northern Nevada.

Companies that support education in Nevada

You don't have to look far to find companies that support education in Nevada. They include tech brands like Tesla and Elemental LED. You'll also find plenty of generosity in other industries represented by names like Dermody Properties, Renown Health, Dolan Auto Group, and ITS Logistics.

Through their generous dedication of time and funds, they are ensuring that a new generation of Nevadans have the education and skills needed to succeed. Their efforts will also ensure a talented, dependable workforce in the future.

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