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MEC

August 22, 2022 by stgschoolcraft

New programs bring more campers to campus

child smiling holding robotic car
Creating Lego robots is one of the activities in the Robots Rule camp.

New offerings and more registrations highlighted this year’s Kids on Campus (KOC) summer enrichment program, which recently concluded on the campus of Schoolcraft College. Arts and culture; communication; computers and technology; science and more are among the topics that are explored by children through 12th grade.

This year, Kids on Campus expanded beyond the main campus to the Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC). The MEC, which opened in 2020, was the ideal location for programming for those interested in STEM-related activities, including 3D printing and design and machine manufacturing.

“The classes at the MEC were very well received,” said Dr. Jodie Beckley, Director of Schoolcraft College’s Personal and Professional Learning (PPL) department, which manages the Kids on Campus program. “The overall attendance was great and the responses from students were very positive. Classes at the MEC allowed students to work with equipment currently used in manufacturing and allowed students to explore career options early.”

Given Schoolcraft College’s excellent reputation in the field of culinary arts, it’s no surprise that those classes were popular once again. Another well-received program was Camp Scrubs, which gives students a glimpse into a variety of careers in the medical field and highlights the outstanding resources on campus, including the brand-new Health Sciences Center.

For 2022, Kids on Campus, which ran June 27-August 12, had

  • More than 2,300 registrations this summer
    • This was an increase of more than 700 compared with last summer
  • 196 sections
  • 118 unique camps
  • 10 brand new camps
kid using machinery
Photo 1
kids in kitchen
Photo 2
Photo 1: Under the direction of Gene Keyes, Schoolcraft College faculty member, a student explores the world of design in the Manufacturing & Engineering Center.
Photo 2: Students create a delicious masterpiece in Baker’s Academy.

Impressions from Kids on Campus

The engaging, invigorating programs taught by dedicated and enthusiastic teachers made Kids on Campus a winner once again. Here is a sampling of responses to the question, “What would you tell a friend about KOC?”:

Students:

  • “I hope I have college here” – David D. (Non-Stop Science)
  • “Kids on Campus is the best; it is amazing” – Daniel M. (Ocean Adventures)
  • “It is very enjoyable and fun and the teachers are really nice. It also helps you make friends” – Reyhan K. (Debate)
  • “Best decision of my life” – Cayden M. (Minecraft Modders – 7,8,9)
  • “It’s highly structured while remaining fun – helps curb the summer slide, especially during COVID” – Katie P. (Physics Fun)
  • “It’s a five out of five!” – Cameron J. (Make it Work)
  • “I would say that it’s a lot of fun and the people here will have a lasting effect on you” – Annastasia M. (Make it Work)
  • “It is fun for kids who like hands-on learning” – Ryan C. (Manufacturing & Engineering)

Parent:

  • “Classes are very engaging and it helps to expand the kids’ minds, curiosity, and knowledge. Instructors are awesome!” – Elizabeth H. (Preschool)

Michele Biaolo, Programming Manager, Personal & Professional Learning, is eager to build on this year’s momentum next year.

“Next summer we plan to have even more camps for kids in grades 1 and 2 and more camps the last week of Junewith Before and After Care,” she said. “This summer we tested the last week in June with six camps and they were very successful.”

Registration for next summer’s Kids on Campus is scheduled to open Thursday, February 10, 2023.  The annual Open House will meet Tuesday, February 8, 2023. Updates on next year’s KOC lineup can be found at schoolcraft.edu/koc.

Filed Under: News, Schoolcraft Spotlight, Uncategorized Tagged With: Kids on Campus, MEC, PPL

December 13, 2021 by mlemon

Industry demanding increased technical competence 

To support its mission to ensure its students have the training and certifications needed to thrive in an ever-competitive market, Schoolcraft College is now a member of the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA).

SACA aligns education and training to meet the realities of the fourth industrial revolution, known as Industry 4.0. Students who attend classes in the Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC) will be among the first to take advantage. Opened in the fall of 2020, the MEC is the home of Schoolcraft College’s engineering and technology programs. This 48,000-square-foot facility more than doubled the space for occupational programs, including:

  • Biomedical Engineering Technology
  • Computer Aided Design (CAD)
  • Engineering Technology
  • Electronics
  • Manufacturing Technology/CNC (Computer Numerical Control)
  • Mechatronics
  • Metallurgy and Materials Science
  • Plastic Technology
  • Welding

The MEC also houses a 3D printing lab and robotics lab.

MEC student
Students who attend classes in the Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC) will be among the first to take advantage of Schoolcraft College being a member of the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA).

Amy Jones, Associate Dean of Occupational Programs, Engineering & Technology, believes joining SACA will be a great benefit for Schoolcraft College students.

“Today’s manufacturing environment is increasingly complex and computer-connected, and employers are seeking higher levels of technical competency from their employees,” she said. “The SACA certification gives students the technical information to understand and troubleshoot the complex systems found in industry. The certification will attest that the student has learned concepts and can perform various processes learned.”

Further, as a member of SACA, Schoolcraft College can administer the testing without additional fees to students and staff.

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

Industry 4.0 is resulting in reduced downtime and increased quality, productivity, and overall efficiency in industries of all kinds thanks to advanced technologies that make up what is known as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

IIoT technologies include advanced robotics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles and machines, cloud-based data analysis, and cybersecurity. As companies increase their use of networks and Internet technologies, they are connecting more devices, from smart sensors to smartphones. 

“The SACA certification gives students the technical information to understand and troubleshoot the complex systems found in industry.”

Amy Jones, Associate Dean of Occupational Programs, Engineering & Technology

While there are many certifications available today that address isolated competencies, SACA certifications are different. SACA’s Industry 4.0 certifications certify “connected systems” skills that address the integration of the many types of advanced manufacturing technologies with Industry 4.0 technology. 

Students will be able to earn SACA certifications at the Associate, Specialist, and Professional level in areas such as basic and advanced operations; robot systems; IIoT, networking, and data analytics; automation systems; production systems; and information technology (IT) operations.

“The certification is important to give students the right skills to gain employment in middle-to-high skill level position,” Jones said. “The various levels of the certification allows students to continue to master higher level skills which can lead to more advanced job opportunities. The certification shows employers what competencies the student can perform on the job.”

SACA student
The Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC) is the home of Schoolcraft College’s engineering and technology programs.

SACA will be part of Mechatronics program

The College plans on implementing the SACA certification in a number of ways. This includes structuring it into the credit programs for Mechatronics Technology, which is being revised for the Spring 2022 semester, so that students earn the credentials as they progress through the curriculum.

“We also have grant programs that will follow a ‘boot camp’ model for short-term training leading to a credential and employment or the student may articulate into our credit program,” said Sandra Miller, Project Coordinator, Business Development Center.

“Finally, SACA offers micro-credentials in a particular subject such as hydraulics. These micro-credentials can be offered by Schoolcraft’s Workforce Training Solutions as customized training for employers to upskill their current workforce.” 

Filed Under: News, Schoolcraft Spotlight Tagged With: Manufacturing & Engineering Center, MEC, occupational programs, SACA, Schoolcraft College, skilled trades, Smart Automation Certification Alliance

November 8, 2021 by stgschoolcraft

This year’s event was held in a virtual format

Schoolcraft College lent its expertise and highlighted the Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC) to support the 2021 Wayne County Manufacturing Day held Friday, October 1.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s event was held in a virtual format and earned a strong audience:

  • 6,434 pre-registered students
    • 2,118 middle school students
    • 4,296 high school students
    • 20 adults
  • 47 schools representing 28 districts
  • 25 participating businesses
  • 6 participating colleges

Robotic arm in a manufacturing room
A robotics lab is part of Schoolcraft College’s Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC).

MEC, is the home of Schoolcraft College’s engineering and technology programs. Opened in the fall of 2020, the 48,000-square-foot facility more than doubled the space for occupational programs, including:

  • Biomedical Engineering Technology
  • Computer Aided Design (CAD)
  • Engineering Technology
  • Electronics
  • Manufacturing Technology/CNC (Computer Numerical Control)
  • Mechatronics
  • Metallurgy and Materials Science
  • Plastic Technology
  • Welding

MEC also houses a 3D printing lab and robotics lab.

Schoolcraft College’s presentation included a comprehensive overview of all programs as well as other opportunities, including Dual Enrollment for high school students and “boot camps” for professionals.

Each program profile included possible jobs and industries, potential wages and salaries and credential options offered at Schoolcraft College.  Visit their web page to learn more about Schoolcraft College’s Manufacturing and Technology programs.

Filed Under: News, Schoolcraft Spotlight Tagged With: Manufacturing & Engineering Center, Manufacturing Day, MEC, Schoolcraft College

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