North Central College and Molex Launch Molex Scholars Program

North Central College and Molex, a global electronics leader and connectivity innovator based in Lisle, Ill., share a long history of collaboration that has provided students with unique learning opportunities and access to cutting-edge equipment and technology. The latest extension of that relationship is the Molex Scholars program, which will provide scholarship opportunities and more for North Central College undergraduate students studying engineering and business.

“The generosity of Molex has had a transformational impact on our students,” said North Central College President Abiódún Gòkè-Pariolá. “Molex’s commitment over the years has made it possible for our engineering students to develop the skills they need to be highly successful and sought after beyond graduation. The Molex Scholars program is an important expansion of our relationship. It will provide students with critical financial support and extend the scope of Molex’s impact into our business programs.”

Molex Scholars Program

The Molex Scholars program is scheduled to launch this spring. Through support of the Center for Global Education, Molex will provide global field trip experiences for North Central students studying abroad in locations that overlap with the company’s global footprint. The first field trip opportunity is scheduled to occur this spring in Tokyo, Japan, with the second cohort planned for next fall in Limerick, Ireland. Students will have unique opportunities to visit Molex and Molex-affiliated facilities, engaging with Molex employees working abroad. 

The program will extend into the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond with further support for undergraduate students through Molex Engineering Scholarships and Molex Business and Entrepreneurship Scholarships. This financial support makes it possible to welcome dedicated and inspired scholars to North Central College, regardless of their financial circumstances. Molex’s support also includes a gift to North Central’s Cardinal Operation Hope and Help initiative, which provides emergency support for students with basic needs insecurities, such as food, clothing, shelter, transportation, and educational supplies.

A History of Collaboration

Prior to the Molex Scholars program, North Central and Molex collaborated to open the Molex Advanced Electronics Lab in 2019. Located within the College’s Wentz Science Center, the lab is outfitted with cutting-edge technology and designed to support a full spectrum of hands-on learning opportunities for students as they prepare for highly skilled careers in electrical engineering. Molex also provides leadership and guidance through its representation on the College’s Engineering Advisory Board and the School of Business & Entrepreneurship Advisory Board. 

This high level of collaboration has contributed to a mutually beneficial college-to-career pipeline between two organizations that sit just three miles apart. Molex has a regular presence at on-campus career fairs throughout the year, and that close collaboration has resulted in multiple internships and full-time employment opportunities for North Central students and graduates.

"We believe that investing in education is investing in the future,” said Joe Nelligan, CEO, Molex. “We are proud to support the Molex Scholars Program, which gives North Central students meaningful, real-world experiences that help them develop the skills and knowledge to reach their full potential.”

Information for Current and Prospective Students

Current North Central College students interested in learning more about the Molex Scholars program and scholarship opportunities can visit the College’s AcademicWorks website. More information about North Central’s School of Business and Entrepreneurship is available here, and details about the College’s undergraduate engineering programs can be found here.

Pictured Below: Molex CEO Joe Nelligan (left) and North Central College President Abiódún Gòkè-Pariolá (right).