A Regional Photonics Initiative

这个光子学项目是一个三阶段计划的开始，该计划旨在开发一个新的光子学计划，a）通过培训急需的技术人员来应对这一新兴领域的区域就业短缺，以及B）培养选择继续获得更高学位的毕业生。 第一阶段通过颁发光子技术员证书，创建新的光学实验室，并探索当地对光子学应用科学副学士（AAS）学位的需求，为学院现有的制造产品增加了光子学选项。 未来的阶段将实施AAS学位，扩大招生工作，并与四年制院校达成衔接协议。该项目团队将从NSF S-STEM拨款中吸取的经验教训应用于学生招聘，并与国家光学和光子学教育中心（OP-TEC）以及印第安山社区学院的ATE计划合作。本项目：通过与OP-TEC和当地行业合作调整和实地测试光子学课程来开发新课程;在内容和教学方法方面对教师进行培训;调整其他ATE受赠者使用的现有策略，包括旨在使所有学生具备成功的数学能力的策略;与当地制造商合作建立工业咨询委员会;开发从高中到AAS学位到4年制学位的本地管道;提供如何以系统的方式在新兴技术领域实施新技术计划的可复制模型，包括当地合作伙伴。

This photonics project is the start of a three-phase initiative to develop a new photonics program that a) responds to regional employment shortages in this emerging field by training much-needed technicians, and b) produces graduates who choose to go on to receive more advanced degrees. Phase one adds a photonics option to the college's existing manufacturing offerings by instituting a Photonics Technician Certificate, creating a new optics laboratory, and exploring the local need for an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Photonics. Future phases will implement the AAS degree, extend the student recruitment effort, and pursue articulation agreements with four-year institutions. The project team applies lessons learned from an NSF S-STEM grant for student recruitment, and collaborates with the National Center for Optics and Photonics Education (OP-TEC) and the ATE program at Indian Hills Community College. This project: Develops new courses by adapting and field testing photonics curricula in collaboration with OP-TEC and local industry; Trains faculty in both content and teaching methods; Adapts existing strategies used by other ATE grantees, including those designed to equip all students with the mathematical ability to succeed; Collaborates with local manufacturers on an Industrial Advisory Board; Develops a local pipeline from high school to AAS degree to 4-year degree; Provides a replicable model of how to implement a new technical program in an emerging technology field in a systematic manner, including local partners.