Bobcat Backs STEM Education at UNC Charlotte
In a bold move to shape the future of engineering and innovation, Bobcat Company has joined forces with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, pledging $200,000 in scholarships while embedding itself directly into the campus ecosystem.
This multifaceted collaboration is designed to support students across three vital academic arenas: engineering, business, and computing. It’s a powerful signal of industry stepping up to support education, right where the next generation of talent is being forged.
Bobcat’s gift is more than a cheque and a handshake. It’s a commitment to laying down a long-term foundation that bridges the gap between academia and the real-world demands of a global construction and manufacturing leader. The initiative brings with it scholarships, hands-on project experiences, a purpose-built workspace, and direct engagement with seasoned professionals—all carefully calibrated to create a talent pipeline for North Carolina’s growing industries.
“We are honoured to support the next generation of ground-breaking innovators and engineers” said Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America. “Our collaboration with UNC Charlotte is a gamechanger for both the University and Bobcat, fostering opportunities for the STEM leaders of tomorrow and reinforcing our mission of empowering people to accomplish more.”
Scholarships with Purpose
At the heart of this partnership lies the $200,000 in scholarship funding, which will be distributed over three years. These funds are earmarked for students pursuing studies in STEM fields, supply chain, and logistics across the William States Lee College of Engineering, Belk College of Business, and the College of Computing and Informatics.
The investment directly targets academic pathways that are key to addressing labour shortages and future-proofing industries in a rapidly digitising world. With demand for engineers, data analysts, logistics experts and IT specialists climbing steeply, these scholarships will help keep home-grown talent in the pipeline.
Building a Presence on Campus
Bobcat isn’t just handing over money and walking away. The company is planting roots on campus by expanding its Student Development Program to include a dedicated workspace at UNC Charlotte. This on-site environment will allow students to work part-time on real Bobcat projects, engage with company engineers and managers, and tackle design and tech challenges that mirror industry demands.
This isn’t theoretical learning, it’s the kind of roll-up-your-sleeves experience that sticks. By integrating with the university’s academic calendar, the programme creates a seamless transition from classroom to construction site, from textbook to toolbox.
“Bobcat is showcasing how industry and academia can together lead by providing opportunities for the next generation of talent in technology-related fields” said Rob Keynton, Dean of the W. S. Lee College of Engineering. “This partnership with Bobcat will provide a tremendous opportunity for our students and create a place where a company and college meet and collaborate.”
Workforce and Community
UNC Charlotte sits just a short drive from Bobcat’s largest manufacturing campus in Statesville, North Carolina. That proximity isn’t coincidence—it’s strategic. Bobcat recently expanded the Statesville facility by 600,000 square feet, doubling its size and reinforcing its commitment to regional growth. The facility now sprawls across 1.2 million square feet and 154 acres, representing a $70 million investment and a hub for future operations.
By building local talent pipelines through university partnerships, Bobcat is investing in the long-term sustainability of its North Carolina operations. It’s a win-win: students gain direct industry access and potential employment opportunities, while the company secures a steady flow of trained, experienced professionals.
A Culture of Collaboration
Bobcat’s engagement with UNC Charlotte doesn’t stop at scholarships and workspace initiatives. The company is also plugging into the wider academic community through research collaborations, senior capstone design projects, and faculty interaction. These collaborative opportunities open the door to cross-disciplinary innovation in fields like automation, robotics, data analytics and supply chain management.
Students in the programme will be challenged to think creatively, work collaboratively, and tackle real-time business and engineering problems—all while supported by a company known for pushing the boundaries of compact equipment innovation.
This partnership embodies Bobcat’s philosophy of building from the ground up, whether that’s in the dirt with machinery or in the classroom with future engineers.
A Legacy of STEM Support
Bobcat’s relationship with student development began more than a decade ago in North Dakota, where its Student Development Program first took root at North Dakota State University and the University of Mary. Over the years, more than 135 students have moved through the initiative, many of whom have gone on to launch their careers within the company.
That continuity is no accident. The programme has proven itself as a vital part of Bobcat’s talent strategy, helping the company stay competitive while also enriching the broader academic landscape.
Why It Matters Now
The need for skilled STEM professionals has never been greater. From tackling climate challenges to reimagining transportation and infrastructure, industries across the board are desperate for talent that can hit the ground running. Universities are evolving, too, placing greater emphasis on hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world outcomes.
Bobcat’s partnership with UNC Charlotte sits at the intersection of these shifting priorities. It reflects a new model of corporate-academic collaboration: not as sponsors or benefactors, but as true partners in shaping the future.
As the United States continues to push for reshoring of manufacturing, investment in regional infrastructure, and the acceleration of sustainable technologies, initiatives like this are quietly laying the foundation.
Shaping Tomorrow, One Student at a Time
What Bobcat and UNC Charlotte have crafted isn’t just a partnership. It’s a blueprint. It’s a model that other manufacturers, tech firms, and institutions would do well to watch.
By nurturing future engineers, data scientists, and business leaders from within the classroom, Bobcat is ensuring that its legacy of innovation will carry on through a new generation, one that’s well-equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
“The state of North Carolina has become an engineering hub for a variety of industries that rely on skilled engineers to move innovation forward” added Dean Keynton. “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation and student success.”
