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2 0 1 7 • S T U F F 5 F ROM OU R SPON SO R M anufacturing change through education is what Quinsigamond Community College is all about! As the second edition of Stuff mag- azine goes to press, we are pleased to see all the technological advancements going on within our region and at our own college. The impact of STEM-related fields both locally and globally has been substantial. Today, QCC offers numerous advanced technical training in disciplines such as biomedical engineering and biotechnology, manufacturing technology, engineering, mechatronics and robotics. QCC's STEM-related degree and certificate programs offer more than traditional classroom settings; they provide real world hands-on, project-based learning from faculty who have extensive industry experience. We are excited about the academic and techni- cal foundation QCC offers our students. Businesses looking for quality employees can be assured QCC students have the skills needed for today's high tech world. QCC works closely with companies and or- ganizations in order to meet their specific goals, es- tablishing a win-win for both students and employ- ers. Our mission is to develop quality employees to be a valued resource to the business community. In an effort to meet the growing demands of STEM-related fields, QCC introduced the state-of- the-art Quinsigamond Engineering, Science, and Technology Center, known as QuEST. This amazing one-of-a-kind facility offers students the latest tech- nology and facilities enhancing the many and varied STEM programs at QCC, strengthening the educa- tional pipeline for STEM careers in Massachusetts. To date, hundreds of students have taken advantage of the Center. The QuEST Center features a high-tech CAD/ CAM studio, classroom space and cutting edge labs, as well as the only Fab Lab at a Massachusetts com- munity college. QCC's Fab Lab is an MIT-developed collaborative workspace offering a networked mak- er space, which enables students to use a vast array of high tech tools; from digital printers and laser cutters, CAD design software; to design development and manufacturing products. Fab Labs are linked to a worldwide network and QCC students are able to participate in video conferences with other Fab Labs, sharing ideas and receiving technical assistance on projects with any Fab Lab participant in the world. Recently QCC advanced manufacturing students built two 3D printers from kits; re-en- gineering the building process and ultimately improving upon the design. Through the students' ingenuity, the QCC Fab Lab now has nine 3D printers. All these advancements at QCC equal a more educated and skilled workforce that is ready to meet the needs of their future employers. At QCC, staying abreast of the changing landscape of the workplace is paramount. QCC's Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education offers high quality training programs to enable individuals to learn new skills to be applied immediately on the job or utilized for future professional devel- opment. Area and regional companies have benefitted from regular customized workforce training and education programming de- signed in partnership with QCC. QCC offers more than 120 associate degree and career certificate programs, in disciplines such as Applied Manufacturing, Biomedical Engineering, Mechatronics, Photonics, CNC Technology, Electronics Technology and Computer- Aided Design at our seven convenient locations in Blackstone Valley, Marlborough, Southbridge and Worcester. Additionally, certain degree and certificate programs, as well as hundreds of classes can be taken completely online! It's never been a better time to achieve your goals at QCC. We offer you the tools you need to attain the future you want. To learn more, visit www.QCC.edu/STEM. Kathleen Rentsch Dean, School of Business, Engineering , and Technology From left: Meghan Sendrowski and Alexis Soto in a Robotics class. QuEST Center QCC student Thomas Le, a recent graduate of the Manufacturing Technology program shows off a project in the FAB Lab. "All these advancements at QCC equal a more educated and skilled workforce that is ready to meet the needs of their future employers."