ANN ARBOR, Michigan (December 12, 2024) – Fluke Corporation has made a significant donation in STEM laboratory equipment for student learning at Washtenaw Community College (WCC).
 
A chance meeting earlier this year with prominent WCC alumna Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist and soon-to-be Blue Origin astronaut, led to Fluke’s donation of handheld meters, cameras, thermometers, oscilloscopes and more.
 
Fluke offers test, measurement, monitoring and software products that are used in electronic design, manufacturing and network troubleshooting, with applications ranging from electrical, industrial, medical, process and calibration.
 
WCC’s new tools are being used in chemistry, physics, geology and other physical science laboratories on campus, allowing students to apply classroom concepts to real-world challenges and see themselves in future science, technology, engineering or math-based careers.
 
“We’ve always aligned our education initiatives to better serve the future needs of our global customers, and we are proud to work with Washtenaw Community College to provide the tools to make sure students are fully prepared for their careers,” said Toffee Coleman, Fluke Corporation Strategic Education Partnerships Manager. “A lot of these tools are foundational, so whether a student is planning to transfer to advance their education or going directly into the workforce they’re getting a taste of real life.”
 
Bowe was being honored at the Women of Power Summit hosted by BLACK ENTERPRISE in Las Vegas in February and caught the attention of Coleman, who wanted to meet her to explore collaborative partnership opportunities, ultimately leading to the WCC donation.
 
Bowe, Founder & CEO of STEMBoard and LINGO, which produces coding kits for youth, was among those recognized for her outstanding contributions and pioneering efforts in advancing diversity within her industry. In addition to her tech entrepreneurial work, Bowe travels the world as a motivational speaker and thought leader and is preparing to fly into space as the first Black woman with Blue Origin.
 
A staunch supporter of WCC – and community college education in general – Bowe sponsors a scholarship for WCC engineering students and frequently returns to campus to interact with the STEM Scholars program and other activities.
 
“I am incredibly inspired by Fluke Corporation’s generous donation of cutting-edge lab equipment, which will provide invaluable hands-on learning opportunities for students at Washtenaw Community College,” said Bowe. “This state-of-the-art technology will help students develop practical skills needed to excel in STEM, bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world application while preparing them to thrive in rapidly evolving fields.”
 
Bowe graduated from WCC in 2006 and transferred to the University of Michigan where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Space Systems Engineering. She immediately went to work at NASA before becoming a tech entrepreneur.
 
“We are thankful for Fluke’s generosity, which is already making a positive impact on student learning in our science laboratories,” says WCC President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca. “Aisha has continued to be one of Washtenaw Community College’s biggest cheerleaders, and we are proud to be a part of her inspiring journey by providing a foundation for her impressive career.”
 

Aisha Bowe
 
 
About Washtenaw Community College 
Washtenaw Community College (WCC), Ann Arbor, Michigan, educates students through a wide range of associate and certificate programs in areas such as liberal arts, health care, business, STEM, advanced transportation and mobility. WCC offers accelerated and online programs to meet student needs. The college also works through community, business and union partnerships to develop highly specialized training programs to meet the region’s workforce talent needs.
 
For more information about Washtenaw Community College, visit www.wccnet.edu.