Legislature approves $15 million increase to support Oregon’s engineering and technology programs

SALEM — The Oregon Legislature has approved $15 million increase in funding for the Engineering Technology Industry Council (ETIC) in the 2007-2009 biennium.

Established by the Legislature in 1997, the ETIC is a partnership between industry and Oregon’s public universities to graduate more and better engineers, computer scientists, and technologists, as well as expand research results by attracting more research dollars to Oregon.

The ETIC budget supports all seven Oregon University System (OUS) campuses, as well as the OGI School of Science & Engineering at Oregon Health & Sciences University. The funding increase for the 2007-09 biennium focuses on growing the engineering and material science programs at OSU, PSU and U of O; however, the ETIC base budget also includes money to improve engineering programs at all eight campuses.

Executive Director Bruce Schafer emphasizes ETIC investments have impacted all of Oregon’s industries, from high tech and agriculture to tourism and forestry, along with key economic sectors like sustainable energy, healthcare, transportation, manufacturing and financial services. State funding is matched more than two-to-one by private dollars, with more than $100 million in support to date coming from private sources.

Schafer also credits the success of the public-private partnership to accountability and measurable results. To date, ETIC investments have increased engineering graduates by 39 percent to 1,600 per year. Federally funded research has increased by 68 percent to $54.6 million per year, providing seed funding for the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI) and future signature research centers. ETIC funding has also been used to upgrade student laboratories and internship programs to ensure students graduate with work-ready skills; expand research programs that support Oregon’s existing and emerging industries; and increase academic enrichment programs to help more students prepare for college.

“ETIC investments provide Oregon industries with the graduates and research they need to deliver innovative products and services,” Schafer said. “ETIC also ensures Oregon students have greater access to high-paying, rewarding careers across a wide range of industries.”

For more information on ETIC, visit www.oregonetic.org/overview/