STCC awarded $500,000 for health science, electrical engineering technology programs

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College will apply $500,000 in state funding to enhance programs in health science and electrical engineering technology and better prepare students who are planning careers in these growing industries.

Called the Skills Capital Grant, the funding allows STCC to acquire the newest technologies to educate students and expand career education opportunities.

STCC will use the grant to boost the two programs by acquiring:

• New medical patient simulation training equipment, which allows a larger number of students to enroll in the health science program.
• Robotic arms for the electrical engineering technology program, which will provide hands-on experience on equipment students will encounter in advanced manufacturing facilities.

STCC President John B. Cook said the investment in the programs will help fill a regional demand for trained workers in the fields of health care and electrical engineering technology.

“With nearly 100 degree and certificate programs, STCC has developed numerous career pathways for students to ensure they have the relevant skills, knowledge and experience to succeed,” Cook said. “We are thrilled to have received funding for health science and electrical engineering technology to help bridge the skills gap. We are grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration for their support. This funding will allow us to expand opportunities to more students.”

Dean of the School of Health & Patient Simulation Christopher Scott said the grant will be used for equipment that directly helps students prepare for careers in the health care field.

“Last year, we launched a new health science degree that exposes students to a variety of health care careers in an immersive and rich learning environment,” Scott said. “A key component of the program is the use of patient simulators, which allow us to recreate a clinical environment. Students immerse themselves in the experience. They learn in a safe, controlled environment without running the risk of harming a patient. We are excited to be able to add new training equipment.”

Rick Jagodowski, chair of the electrical engineering technology program at STCC, said the grant will allow his department to provide students experience and training with robots commonly found in the fields of advanced and automated manufacturing.

We are thrilled to have received funding for health science and electrical engineering technology to help bridge the skills gap. We are grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration for their support. Dr. John B. Cook, President of STCC

“Our program provides graduates with the skills necessary to become technicians in the high-demand fields of automation, robotics, mechatronic and electro-mechanical systems design, installation, programming and repair,” Jagodowski said. “In addition to the new robots, our department will use some of the funds to acquire trainers to augment our PLC (programmable logic controls) and fluid power lab equipment."

The Baker-Polito Administration announced STCC, other colleges, high schools and educational institutions in Massachusetts had received a total of $12 million in Skills Capital Grants.

According to the Baker-Polito Administration, the goal of the Skills Capital Grants, which range from $50,000 to $500,000, is to help high schools, colleges and other workforce training organizations invest in the most up-to-date equipment to give their students an advantage when they continue in their chosen field or area of study. These grants cover a broad array of fields, from construction and engineering to healthcare and hospitality.

“It is encouraging to see schools that are awarded Skills Capital Grants put the funds toward career pathways to give Massachusetts students experience and expertise in industries that are expanding in the Commonwealth,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “These beneficial programs will give thousands of students a head-start on prosperous careers and we look forward to seeing their progress.”

“Skills Capital Grants were originally designed to help students in vocational programs learn about the most up-to-date equipment. However, it has since evolved to help a broader population of students be ready for our commonwealth’s knowledge-based economy,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.

 Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

Founded in 1967 and located on 35 acres of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, STCC is a major resource for the economic vitality of Western Massachusetts. As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC, a designated Hispanic Serving Institution, offers a variety of career programs unequalled in the state. STCC’s highly regarded transfer programs in business, engineering, liberal arts, science and technology continue to provide the most economical options for students pursuing a four-year degree. With an annual enrollment of about 7,000 day, evening, weekend and online students, STCC is a vibrant campus rich in diversity.

For more information about STCC, visit www.stcc.edu. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@S_T_C_C) and Instagram (@stccpics).

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