NSF Maker Space Program
Partnership Program between the University of Virginia and Blue Ridge Community College
National Science Foundation (NSF) Grant Purpose
The purpose of this NSF grant is to provide rising high school seniors the opportunity to learn about advanced manufacturing concepts and the associated career paths. Students completing the certifications may choose to interview with a local manufacturing facility if they wish to enter the workforce upon graduating from high school. Others may choose to apply the certification towards college credit and enter any one of BRCC’s four manufacturing degree programs. They may also pursue a related transfer degree and subsequently a baccalaureate degree in a field related to manufacturing - such as JMU’s Bio-Technology degree.
Note: This exploratory program in advanced manufacturing is designed to lead to the development of future skill sets, which would be useful in resume development and job interviewing.
“Design It, Build It, Keep It!”
Blue Ridge Community College, in partnership with the University of Virginia, is offering high schoolers the opportunity to explore careers in Advanced Manufacturing, while also earning college credits. Through funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), these four courses are being offered free of charge!
The ideal candidate is a rising high school senior. Other high schoolers with STEM interests may apply. All courses will be held in the BRCC Advanced Technology Center.
Four Free Classes
Summer Camp 2020
9 am-3 pm
June 22-26 or July 20-24
Participants will engage in hands-on activities to learn basic manufacturing principles through team projects resulting in designed and manufactured items that they can keep. Students will tour a local manufacturing facility and be introduced to the kinds of careers available in these facilities. This camp is a prelude to the advanced manufacturing courses students can take beginning in the fall. There is no cost to the student for the camp or the courses, and no obligation to continue into the fall courses.
Manufacturing Specialist (MS)
Mondays & Wednesdays, 1-3 pm
August 24-December 9
Students will learn the math, measurement, and spatial reasoning skills related to high performance manufacturing and production through classroom work, team projects, and activities. The Manufacturing Specialist certification can be converted to three college credits which can be applied to BRCC’s Advanced Manufacturing AAS degrees or Career Studies Certificates. Students will learn about the various careers available in specific manufacturing facilities in the Shenandoah Valley, associated educational requirements, and related compensations.
Manufacturing Tech I (MT1)
Mondays & Wednesdays, 1-3 pm
January 11-May 5, 2021
Students will continue learning the math, measurement, and spatial reasoning skills related to high performance manufacturing and production. Additionally, students will be introduced to the business acumen used in Advanced Manufacturing. The Manufacturing Technician I certification can be converted to four college credits which can be applied to BRCC’s Advanced Manufacturing AAS degrees or Career Studies Certificates. Students will continue learning about the various careers available in specific manufacturing facilities in the Shenandoah Valley.
Summer 2021 Manufacturing Course
Students may take a 3-credit course in a manufacturing or manufacturing-related program. Alternatively, there may be a course that continues exploring manufacturing aspects including additional team projects, plant tours, and career exploration, depending on interest.
What Participants Will Do
See inside local manufacturing sites like Hugo Kohl in Harrisonburg and Huss and Dalton in Staunton.
Design, build and keep products made on high tech machines like an Epilog Laser Engraver and a JellyBox IMADE3D 3D Printer.
Learn about the local manufacturing industry and career fields like Mechatronics and BioTechnology.
How to Apply
To apply for any of these courses, click here to complete the online form.
Questions?
Contact:Kathleen GassRegional Manufacturing LiaisonWorkforce & Continuing Ed(540) 453-2215gassk@brcc.eduKevin RatliffDeanWorkforce & Continuing Ed(540) 453-2215ratliffk@brcc.edu