For more information contact:
Kristy Grignon, MassMEP, kristyg@massmep.org
Shari Worthington, PR Counsel, Telesian Technology, sharilee@telesian.com

MassMEP and Stonehill College Celebrate Donation that Trains Students for Careers in Advanced Manufacturing & Integrated Photonics

NOTE: Press event invitation follows below.

October 28, 2021 – Auburn, MA – On November 2, 2021, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP) and Stonehill College (Easton, MA) will join together at the Stonehill Photonics Lab to celebrate MassMEP’s $30,000 donation that will allow 10 students to pursue careers in Advanced Manufacturing and Integrated Photonics (AMIP). The donation provides a diverse cohort of students with the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the Massachusetts high-tech economy through completion of the AMIP Technician Certificate Program at Stonehill College.

“We are pleased to be able to expand our support for training the next generation of advanced manufacturing workers,” said John Killam, President of MassMEP. “Ten students will learn on state-of-the-art equipment, including Photonics Integrated Chips (PICs), CNC machines, spectrophotometers, lasers, optical fiber tools, and 3D printers. This will help them gain skills that increase their marketability in a variety of tech fields, from optics and photonics to electronics and robotics, without taking on significant debt.”

“Many thanks to MassMEP for their generous contribution that will equip participants with the skills and experience needed to thrive in this burgeoning market,” said Cheryl Schnitzer, Professor of Chemistry and Director of the AMIP Program at Stonehill College. “The first AMIP Technician program cohort graduated debt free this summer. One hundred percent of the students — eleven in all — were placed in internships/jobs, and we anticipate all eleven will find full-time work in this field. Companies were eager to hire the highly marketable AMIP students, and most had multiple internship offers, which are now turning into job offers.”

The AMIP Technician Certificate is a part-time, evening program that leads to a certificate in Advanced Manufacturing & Integrated Photonics. Completed at both the Stonehill College and Bridgewater State University campuses, the curriculum is strategically focused on careers in semiconductors and optical devices. It includes hands-on training with cutting-edge equipment, online instruction, industry-related projects, and an internship — all designed to rapidly prepare students for immediate employment upon completion.

About Stonehill College
Founded as a Catholic college in 1948 by the Congregation of Holy Cross, Stonehill’s holistic approach is guided by the principles of education and faith. Our students grow into global citizens who value knowledge, integrity and compassion as they seek to create a more just society. Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Stonehill confers B.A., B.S., B.S.B.A., M.A., M.Ed., and MPS degrees. For more information, visit www.stonehill.edu.

About MassMEP
Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), part of the NIST MEP National Network, is a leading resource for manufacturing companies that cultivates a community built on support, idea sharing, and achievement. MassMEP creates economic impact by transforming manufacturing enterprises and the manufacturing ecosystem. This is achieved through the delivery of operational excellence programs, workforce development strategies, and innovative growth initiatives, all of which are enhanced by strategic public/private relationships. For more information, visit www.massmep.org.

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PRESS INVITATION
You are cordially invited to attend a pizza party, Tuesday, November 2nd, to celebrate the wonderful contribution from MassMEP. AMIP tuition for 2021-2022 is now fully covered thanks to the generous gifts from MassMEP, Office of Naval Research, IEEE, OSA, and SPIE.

Order of Events

4:15 – 4:55 PM: Tour the LEAP@Stonehill Photonics Lab (optional)
15 Plymouth Drive, Unit B
South Easton, MA 02357

5:00 – 5:45 PM: Pizza Party with current AMIP students
Shields Science Center, Atrium
Stonehill College
320 Washington Street
Easton, MA 02357

6:00 – 8:30 PM: AMIP students attend class at LEAP, per usual schedule

RSVP to: Cheryl Schnitzer, cschnitzer@stonehill.edu, by November 1st.

Note: COVID vaccinations are required; masks must be worn inside except when eating.

© 2021, MassMEP, Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership.