Press Releases
16 July 2012
Oak Ridge National Lab's Volkswagen Scholars Tour Factory
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Interns from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) visited Volkswagen Chattanooga as part of the Volkswagen Distinguished Scholars Program, a student research initiative sponsored by the manufacturer.
During their visit, the students participated in a career development seminar, as well as a tour of the factory and training academy. They were accompanied by ORNL researchers and scientists, who serve as mentors to the students for the duration of their internship.
The 10-week summer research program is an enhanced internship experience for undergraduate and graduate students studying scientific and technical fields. Currently in its third year of operation, the program selects students from Volkswagen's Partners in Education group of Tennessee universities to participate in research projects geared toward manufacturing, engineering and transportation science.
During their internship, students have access to research facilities, equipment and a network of scientific mentors at ORNL. Upon completion of their projects, students also have the opportunity to transition into internships at Volkswagen Chattanooga.
Volkswagen Chattanooga's Partners in Education program has provided more than $3 million toward education in Tennessee since 2009. Its current partner universities include Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Fisk University, Tennessee State University, University of Memphis, University of Tennessee Chattanooga and University of Tennessee Knoxville. Students from Tennessee Tech are also eligible for the ORNL program. For more information about the internship program and application process, please visit http://www.orau.org/volkswagen/.
Photo credit: Volkswagen Chattanooga.
About Volkswagen Chattanooga
Volkswagen has invested $1 billion in the local economy for the Chattanooga plant and created more than 3,200 direct jobs in the region. According to independent studies, the new Volkswagen plant is expected to generate $12 billion in income growth and an additional 9,500 jobs related to the project. The Chattanooga manufacturing facility is the world's first automotive manufacturer to receive platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification program. The facility manufactures the all-new 2012 Passat sedan, specially designed for the North American market and winner of the Motor Trend magazine 2012 Car of the Year award and several other automotive awards.
