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Federal Perkins Funding Supports New Career Learning Opportunities at SUNY Canton

Canton, NY (06/17/2025) — SUNY Canton has added several new human and animal anatomy models, augmented its fleet of drones and sped up its rapid prototyping capabilities through a Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education grant.

The college received more than $120,000 in federal funding to enhance its career and technical education programs during the 2024-2025 academic year. Some of the new equipment was purchased to support requests made by students for the Learning Commons, according to Director of Tutoring Services Melissa Manchester.

"A student suggested that the STEM Lab should provide anatomy and physiology models for cats and dogs like our human models," Manchester said. "Perkins support extends beyond the Tutoring Center. The Canino School of Engineering Technology obtained drones and 3D printers, and the School of Science, Health, and Criminal Justice purchased additional anatomy models for classroom use."

The tutoring center now has learning models that students can use to help connect their classroom theories and illustrations to practice. Some of the resources include a canine skeleton and a feline skull for students to study.

The college's Engineering Technology programs also obtained nearly a dozen new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), more commonly known as drones. One of the new purchases operates through first-person view, where an operator wearing goggles sees through the UAV's camera.

"Students in multiple programs benefit from having as many hands-on opportunities as possible," said Associate Professor Lucas Craig, Ph.D., who teaches in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program. "Having a variety of drones in the classroom will get students to research, discuss and explore activities outside of college."

Drones were recently used during the Women in Engineering Day event, where groups of students flew them through an obstacle course in Nevaldine Hall. The UAVs present multiple learning components, including programming, instrumentation and controls, soldering, electronics, aerodynamics, and regulations based on the FAA. SUNY Canton plans to offer a microcredential related to drones in the future.

Additionally, Engineering Technology programs used a portion of the Perkins funding to purchase two new Bambu 3D printers, which will make students' rapid prototyping projects even more expeditious. "The Bambu printers are a great stepping stone to some of the types of printers students are likely to encounter once they start their careers," Craig said.

Perkins Grant funding also helps support staff positions on campus, including a tutoring coordinator, professional tutors, and student tutors. SUNY Canton is slated to receive additional funding exceeding $100,000 for the upcoming academic year, according to the Research and Sponsored Programs office.

Discover SUNY Canton, where innovation meets opportunity. The college's career-focused educational programs emphasize hands-on and applied learning opportunities in digital design, engineering technology, health, information technology, management, public service, and veterinary technology. Faculty members bring real-world experience and exceptional academic expertise to the classroom. As a leader in online education, SUNY Canton offers unmatched flexibility with hundreds of courses and 25 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the SUNYAC. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.

Media Attachments

Anatomy Analysis – SUNY Canton students Asha Hanson of Calgary, Alberta, and Lexi Blosenhauer of Lisbon work with one of the new anatomy models purchased through a Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education grant.

Skeleton Crew – Veterinary Technology students Karyssa Maynard of Chepachet, R.I., and Luara Martino of Baldwinsville identify bones on a canine skeleton in SUNY Canton’s STEM Lab.

Learning Launchpad – St. Lawrence Central High School students Bobby Snyder and Griffon Bunnell program and fly a drone during a visit to SUNY Canton. The college received a Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education funding to purchase about a dozen new drones for use in its Engineering Technology programs.

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