By Rosalio Ahumada
MERCEDSUN-STAR
March 15, 2005

Educators say hands-on training in college gives graduates an edge in the job market.
The University of California, Merced, is in line for some cash to make that happen.

The Max and Verda Foster family, the namesakes of Foster Farms, pledged $1.2 million to pay for practical educational experiences in the School of Engineering.

Valerie Leppert, a UC Merced engineering professor, said the money will allow the engineering department to recruit and retain more students with the promise of real-world experience.

"It puts them in a much better position in seeking a job," Leppert said. "It gives our graduates an advantage."

High demand for management and problem-solving skills within the engineering industry has prompted new accreditation standards for engineering students -- including real-life experience, university officials said.

Of the $1.2 million, the university already has used $100,000 to start the Foster Family Center for Engineering Service Learning, and will receive $47,000 for the first year of operation, said Ana Nelson Shaw, a UC Merced spokeswoman.

While at the center, students will learn and practice engineering and management skills, working in teams to provide services to nonprofit organizations in the area. Their progress will be measured as the program develops.

"They'll have to work out real-world problems, not just text-book problems," Leppert said.

Learning the ins and outs of working with clients isn't something to be taught only in the classroom, Leppert said. The Fosters' financial gift will allow the school to offer a variety educational opportunities to more students.

"Funding Service Learning will allow us to impact a variety of areas as we seek to give back to the region that has given so much to us," said Foster family representative Sue Foster in a university press release.

The Foster Family Center will operate in the school's facilities at Castle Airport, but at some point, will get its own space, Leppert said.

The Fosters' financial support will allow Leppert to explore options for office and lab space to house the program and hire staff members to run it.

Service learning will be a cornerstone of the engineering program at the new university, said Jeff Wright, UC Merced dean of engineering. He said the Foster family deserves credit for its vision, and he thanked the Fosters for their generosity.

"It's going to help our students learn what engineering is all about before they get into the course work," Wright said. "It shows them that engineering is about problem solving."

Reporter Rosalio Ahumada can be reached at 385-2477 or rahumada@mercedsun-star.com.