WDI 2025 Unchartered Courses Conference

The National Science Foundation funds the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM), which attended the recent WDI 2025 Unchartered Courses conference in Coronado, California. At the conference, Dr. Karen Wosczyna-Birch, the Principal Investigator and Director of the NCNGM, promoted the center's initiatives and research. Her extensive expertise in manufacturing processes and educational outreach made her a valuable asset at the ATE Central booth located in the exhibit hall. Here, Dr. Wosczyna-Birch engaged with attendees, sharing insights about the NCNGM's ongoing projects and the importance of integrating advanced manufacturing technologies into educational curricula. Her discussions emphasized the center’s mission to bridge the gap between academia and industry, equipping the next generation of engineers and technicians with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing job market.

In addition to the engaging activities at the ATE Central booth, the conference featured a plenary session highlighting significant developments within community colleges. The President of the Connecticut State Community College delivered an impactful address, shedding light on the transformative initiatives spearheaded by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). In his speech, he articulated the vital role that community colleges play in expanding access to higher education and providing workforce training that aligns with the needs of local industries. The President elaborated on various programs designed to enhance student success, promote diversity, and foster partnerships with employers, all of which are essential for preparing students to meet the challenges of the modern workforce.

Through these discussions and presentations, the conference served as a platform for sharing best practices, exploring new educational strategies, and reinforcing the collaborative spirit that drives innovation in both manufacturing and education. Participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between community colleges and industry, emphasizing the importance of ongoing dialogue and partnership in shaping the future of the workforce.

Bridging Academia and Industry: ASEE CIEC

The ASEE Conference for Industry and Education Collaboration (CIEC) occurred in the vibrant city of Henderson, Nevada. This conference was a significant platform for educators to discuss innovative practices and collaborations that bridge the gap between education and industry needs. During the event, a paper was presented by Wendy Robicheau, Assistant Director for the NCNGM. Alongside her, Michele Howard-Swan, the Micro-credential Content Coordinator for the USDOL-funded CT Statewide Healthcare Industry Pathways (CT SHIP) Grant, contributed her expertise to the discussion. Their paper, titled "A Multidisciplinary Model for Developing and Implementing Micro-credentials", offered valuable insights into the evolving landscape of micro-credentialing in education and training sectors. Dr. Karen Wosczyna Birch, the Executive Director of the CT College of Technology and the Executive Director and Principal Investigator for the NCNGM co-authored the paper. Additionally, Renee Dunbar, the Grant Project Assistant and Microcredential Coordinator for the CT SHIP initiative, played a crucial role in developing and presenting this work. The presentation meticulously reviewed the comprehensive process of creating a robust framework for micro-credentials, emphasizing their significance in addressing the skills gap within various industries. Specifically, the discussion highlighted the microcredentials developed under the CT SHIP grant, illustrating how these credentials can be effectively utilized to grow advanced manufacturing microcredentials. The authors emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, showcasing how collaboration across different fields can lead to innovative solutions that meet the ever-evolving demands of the workforce. ASEE CIEC conference provided a vital forum for exchanging ideas and best practices, with the highlighted paper serving as a key example of how educational institutions and industry partners can work together to create meaningful and impactful learning opportunities through micro-credentialing.

Empowering Women in Manufacturing: Men as Allies Conference

Mathew Spinelli, a manufacturing professor at Connecticut State Community College Manchester and a Connecticut College of Technology representative, participated in the Women in Manufacturing Men as Allies Conference in Clearwater, Florida. This conference, which attracts a diverse group of professionals from various sectors within the manufacturing industry, aims to foster discussions around gender diversity, equity, and inclusion in a field that men have historically dominated. Spinelli demonstrated his commitment to advocating for women in manufacturing and deepened his understanding of the challenges female professionals face in this sector. The conference featured a range of keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops designed to address these critical issues, providing valuable insights into how men can actively support their female colleagues.

Other attendees exchanged ideas and strategies throughout the event to create a more inclusive workplace environment. Discussions highlighting the importance of mentorship and sponsorship for women in manufacturing recognized that these relationships can significantly impact career advancement and professional development. Attendees explored best practices from various companies successfully implementing programs to promote gender diversity within their workforce. By learning from these examples, attendees bring back actionable insights to their institutions. The conference also provided networking opportunities, allowing Spinelli to connect with industry leaders, educators, and advocates who share a common goal of enhancing the representation of women in manufacturing roles. By forming these connections, he hoped to collaborate on future initiatives that would benefit his students and contribute to a broader movement toward equality in the manufacturing sector.

Outreach at the National Career Pathways Network Conference

NCNGM also presented at the National Career Pathways Network (NCPN) conference, which was held in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. During this conference, Doug Pauley and Jerry Muller showcased their comprehensive mechatronics professional development workshops and dual enrollment programs designed to equip community college educators and high school students with the necessary skills and knowledge to teach mechatronics effectively.

The professional development workshops cover various topics, including the fundamentals of robotics, automation systems, and mechanical and electronic systems integration. Participants engage in hands-on activities that allow them to apply theoretical concepts in practical scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter. The program emphasized the importance of staying current with industry trends and technological advancements, ensuring educators can provide their students with relevant, up-to-date information.

In addition to the workshops, Pauley and Muller also highlighted their dual enrollment program. This program offers high school students the unique opportunity to earn college credit while completing their secondary education. Students gain early exposure to mechatronics and related fields by participating in this program, positioning them advantageously for future academic and career pursuits. The dual enrollment initiative aims to bridge the gap between high school education and post-secondary opportunities, making it easier for students to transition into higher education or the workforce. The presentation illustrated how both programs significantly enhance students' learning experiences, equipping them with the critical skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the fast-paced and ever-evolving job market.

The Innovation Conference

Karen Wosczyna-Birch, Executive Director, Connecticut Community Colleges Office and National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing.

Partnerships for Progress and Innovation in Advanced Manufacturing Programs

An engaging and informative session that delved deeply into partnerships' transformative role in advanced manufacturing education at community colleges. This session featured Karen Wosczyna-Birch, Executive Director, Connecticut Community Colleges Office CT, and Wendy Robicheau, Assistant Director, National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, Connecticut College of Technology, CT, who will present a variety of innovative collaborations specifically designed to enhance and strengthen advanced manufacturing education across the nation. During this session, attendees will have the opportunity to discover how these strategic partnerships are enhancing curriculum development and ensuring that educational programs are closely aligned with the rapidly changing needs of the workforce. By bridging the gap between industry demands and academic offerings, these collaborations foster a more relevant and robust educational experience for students pursuing careers in advanced manufacturing. Moreover, we will explore how these partnerships actively promote student engagement in advanced manufacturing programs, creating pathways for students to gain hands-on experience and exposure to real-world challenges in the field. The session will highlight compelling success stories that illustrate the positive outcomes of these collaborative efforts, showcasing how institutions have effectively transformed their programs through strategic alliances.

Douglas Pauley, Associate Dean, Community and Workforce Education; Jerry Muller, Trainer and Coordinator, Industrial Technology, Central Community College, NE.

Engaging High School Students in Mechatronics: Innovative, Hands-On, Dual-Credit Strategies

The demand for mechatronics industrial automation technicians continues to increase and is evolving in response to the rapid advancements in technology and automation across various sectors, presented by Douglas Pauley, Associate Dean, Community and Workforce Education; Jerry Muller, Trainer and Coordinator, Industrial Technology, Central Community College, NE. This session introduces participants to an innovative model that facilitates establishing partnerships among businesses, industries, and high schools. These partnerships are crucial for a sustainable pipeline of skilled mechatronics, instrumentation, and engineering professionals. During this session, participants will gain insights into the best practices that have proven effective in delivering hands-on, technical courses in mechatronics, particularly in a distance learning format.

The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing leadership team looks forward to more conferences, conversations and community outreach for the upcoming year!