Bobcat and UNC Charlotte Launch STEM Scholarships & Training Hub

Pictured above, Doosan Bobcat North America President Mike Ballweber (R) shakes hands with Dr. Robert Keynton, Dean of William States Lee College of Engineering at UNC Charlotte (L), as they donate $200,000 to support student scholarships.

Bobcat Company has forged a new partnership with University of North Carolina Charlotte’s William States Lee College of Engineering that includes a $200,000 donation for student scholarships and an elevated Student Development Program featuring an on-campus workspace.

As part of the program, engineering students will undertake hands-on projects alongside Bobcat professionals, gaining direct exposure to industry-specific workflows and mentorship. This dedicated facility equips future engineers with practical experience and supports a seamless bridge to employment.

Bobcat’s co-op initiative, now expanded to include workspace and structured mentorship, aligns with the company’s mission to “empower people to accomplish more,” said Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America. UNC Charlotte’s Dean Rob Keynton praised the collaboration for enhancing talent development and positioning North Carolina as a focal point for skilled engineering recruitment.

The company-sponsored scholarships will span multiple disciplines — engineering, computing, informatics, business and supply chain — ensuring diverse academic support over the next three years. Beyond scholarships, the partnership includes involvement in research, senior design, faculty engagement and efforts in supply chain innovation, all intended to reinforce a strong engineering pipeline.

Bobcat’s Statesville, NC manufacturing expansion in 2022 emphasized workforce growth, doubling its campus capacity. More than 135 students have participated in Bobcat’s Student Development Program since its inception, with many joining the company full-time after graduation.