The Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing addresses the need for highly skilled workers in the new manufacturing workplace by building programs that provide resources to educators and students interested in learning new technologies in manufacturing. The Center is directed by the Connecticut College of Technology (COT), - a virtual organization representing technology curriculum geared toward engineering and technician training offered at Connecticut's 12 community colleges.
These curriculum programs give students credit toward engineering and technician training at designated Connecticut public colleges and universities, including Central Connecticut State University , the University of Hartford , University of Connecticut , Fairfield University , University of New Haven and Charter Oak College.
The Center brings together committed employers, four-year universities and community colleges to provide:
The Center will:
The idea for the NGM Center grant came from the success of the College of Technology, a virtual college program connecting engineering and technician training among Connecticut's 12 community colleges. These curriculum programs, which were developed with input from business and industry, provide pathway programs for students interested in continuing in a 4-year engineering or technician training program at designed Connecticut public universities.
Subsequently, the College of Technology was able to develop articulation agreements with the state's technical high schools, which created a 2+2+2 pathway for students in Connecticut's technical high schools.
The College of Technology had also collaborated with the Connecticut Business and Industry Association in developing curriculum and in providing professional development for faculty through a National Science Foundation ATE project grant. Creating a Center that strengthens partnerships with the educational community, business and industry was a logical step in promoting needed training that addresses the need for more highly skilled workers in the new manufacturing environment.
For more information about the Center, contact:
Karen Wosczyna-Birch, Director
College of Technology, Connecticut Community Colleges
61 Woodland Street
Hartford, CT
Email: www.karenlee@snet.net
Tel.: (860) 244-7608