STEM Crisis in the Auto Industry Doug Patton Executive Vice President, Engineering DENSO International America, Inc. President, DENSO North America Foundation

The Reality 21% of girls say their parents encourage them to become an actress; while only 10% of girls say their parents encourage them to think about a career in engineering. – Harris Interactive for the American Society for Quality, 2009 [ ]

Who is DENSO? Global Supplier of Advanced Automotive Technology, Systems and Components with $39.8 Billion in Sales (As of March 31, 2014) Systems Provider Powertrain Control System Engine management system, Gasoline direct injection, Hybrid components, Starter, Alternator, etc. Thermal Systems Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC), Compressor, Heat exchangers, Battery thermal management, etc. Information & Communications Systems Instrument cluster, Head-up display, Human machine interface technologies, Horn, Keyless entry, Wireless phone charger, etc. Driving Control & Safety Systems Passive safety technologies, Airbag sensing system, Active safety technologies, Traction control system, Antilock braking system, etc.

The DENSO Challenge FINDING RETAINING Software Engineers Electrical Engineers Mechanical Engineers

What We’re Up Against Negative reputation of being a slow moving, cyclical industry Negative reputation of dirty jobs

What We’re Up Against PERCEPTION How do we change perception? SKILLS How do we engage and prepare students to meet the needs of the industry? ATTRACT How do we attract students to work in automotive? [ ]

Where Do We Start – Excite Students The transition between fifth and sixth grades is when most students can lose interest in math and science subjects (source: A World in Motion) Support hands-on activities Mentor and volunteer Tours of manufacturing plants and tech centers What can we do?

Hands-on Learning Square One Partnership The Square One Education Network supports hands-on STEM initiatives, hosts unique professional development, and provides engaging STEM projects throughout the Great Lakes region for K – 12 students and teachers.

Part of the Process What is Elevate Lab? DENSO’s Elevate Lab is a unique internal research and development group of engineers, designers and researchers who take a holistic approach to solve some of the industry’s biggest challenges, like distracted driving and teen driving dangers.

Building Partnerships PARTNERSHIPS PARENTS Government SCHOOLS NON-PROFITS Community BUSINESSES

What We Need To Do Influence curriculum to meet industry needs Co-ops and internship opportunities Create a community where people want to work Training and feeder programs Create a work environment that fosters innovation and creativity Increase diversity [ ]

How can we change perception? We need to tackle the STEM CHALLENGE differently. Conclusion [ ]