Category Archives: Business Engagement

Apprenticeships, Business Engagement, Community Partnerships, Engineering Technology, ET Career Scholars, IET Events, IET Recruitment, In-Demand Technology Pathways, Industry Partnerships, Micron, NOVA to Workforce, Workforce Experience

NOVA and Micron Partner for Apprenticeship Panel Event

L to R: Nga Tran, Nicole Luna, Fernando Cuerva (ET Career Scholar Pre-Apprentices), Loid Belay, Makayla Lasswell, Ricardo Marroquin Martinez (Micron Apprentices).

National Apprenticeship Week 2024: A Decade of Growth, Innovation, and Opportunity

On November 22, NOVA collaborated with Micron Technology to host Insights from In-Demand Technology Apprentices at the Regional Center for Workforce Education and Training (WRC) on NOVA’s Woodbridge Campus to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week. The hybrid event for students and parents featured presentations from Micron apprentices specializing in semiconductor technologies and NOVA student pre-apprentices exploring careers in semiconductor and data center operations.

What is National Apprenticeship Week?

Each year for the past 10 years the Department of Labor has commemorated National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), which celebrates and advances Registered Apprenticeship programs. This yearly event unites employers, educators, workforce organizations, and government agencies to spotlight the crucial role apprenticeships play in developing a skilled workforce, building career pathways, and promoting equity. Events held across the country showcased programs, facilities, and apprentices, emphasizing how apprenticeships contribute to economic growth and meet industry needs.

Micron’s Apprenticeship Program

Micron’s Apprenticeship Program spans from 18 months to 3 years. Upon completion, participants are awarded a certificate as registered professionals.

A typical day begins with a team meeting, where apprentices collaborate with the night shift to discuss tasks for the day, such as identifying issues that need troubleshooting or fixing. During their shift, they focus on resolving problems with constraint tools that impact productivity, along with completing related computer work. The day concludes with another team meeting to transition responsibilities to the night shift.

The program involves 12-hour shifts, where apprentices work three days one week and four days the next. Starting pay is typically $22 per hour, with opportunities for promotions as they progress through the program.

Courtney Adams, who leads Micron’s apprenticeship program in Manassas, is committed to fostering nontraditional pathways into the workforce. “Our apprenticeship program is designed not only to fill positions but to develop talent and spark innovation by partnering with local educational institutions like NOVA,” she explains.

Courtney highlights the value of apprenticeships in creating structured learning environments where participants can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. This model builds their skills, boosts confidence, and equips them to handle workplace challenges. Micron offers apprenticeship tracks in engineering, manufacturing, and technology, with each apprentice paired with a mentor for guidance and support.

Describing the ideal apprentice, Courtney says, “We’re looking for someone eager to learn, with a positive attitude, teamwork skills, and an interest in hands-on work. It’s a bonus if they have experience in a CTE course like automotive, HVAC, or building computers.”

The Panel Event: Insights from In-Demand Technology Apprentices (Q and A):

The Micron apprentice panel featured current NOVA engineering technology students, Loid Belay, Makayla Lasswell, and Ricardo Marroquin Martinez.

Q. What sparked your Interest in the Semiconductor Industry?

  • Makayla: “I’ve always been interested in computers. I built my first computer when I was 15 and realized how crucial semiconductors are. They’re foundational to computers, modern cars, and data centers. I’m eager to learn how to work with semiconductors and understand their production process.”
  • Ricardo: “I’ve always been passionate about technology. Semiconductors are intriguing because they’re integral to the cutting-edge advancements we’ll see in the future.”
  • Loid: “Semiconductors are the backbone of modern technology. The chance to contribute to something so essential and widely used is incredibly exciting to me.”

Q. How did you discover the Micron Apprenticeship Program?

  • Ricardo: “I found the opportunity on the NOVA Connect page and applied.”
  • Loid: “I regularly check the NOVA Connect page for opportunities, and that’s where I discovered the program.”
  • Makayla: “I also learned about it through the NOVA Connect page. The application process was seamless, transitioning from the NOVA site to the Micron site.”

Q. How do you balance an apprenticeship with schoolwork?

  • Ricardo: “Micron is accommodating and helps us select classes that align with our schedules.”
  • Loid: “Balancing a full-time job, coursework, and exams is challenging, but Micron provides great support, giving us the time needed to handle both training and studies.”
  • Makayla: “Working 12-hour shifts while going to school is tough, but my firm provides monthly check-ins, accessible coordinators, and supportive mentors and supervisors.”

Q. What’s the biggest takeaway from your apprenticeship?

  • Loid: “I’ve gained an appreciation for the collaboration, precision, and expertise required to produce semiconductors.”
  • Ricardo: “I’ve learned preventive maintenance, which helps address issues before they escalate. This skill has become part of my daily mindset.”
  • Makayla: “I didn’t have much experience working with my hands before, but through maintenance tasks and troubleshooting, I’ve developed that ability.”

The NOVA pre-apprentice panel featured NOVA students from our first cohort of the Engineering Technology (ET) Career Scholars Program, Fernando Cuerva, Nga Tran, a non-traditional student, Nicole Luna, a recent high school graduate.

ET Scholars is a one-year program, beginning with a 2-to-4-week summer bridge session, followed by two semesters of coursework, and concluding with a guaranteed internship interview.

Q. How’s your experience so far in the ET Scholars Program?

  • Nga: “My experience has been fantastic so far. I receive a lot of support. My situation is unique because I’m not a recent high school graduate—I have two children, a degree, and previous career experience. Switching fields was tough, especially since my family didn’t fully understand my decision. Being part of this cohort, I have 19 peers experiencing similar challenges, and the program leads help me balance school and personal responsibilities. Whenever I encounter a problem, I know I can rely on them to guide me.”
  • Nicole: “It’s been an amazing experience. The cohort is incredible—I’ve made great friends, received helpful support, and benefited from the program leads’ guidance. It’s also provided financial assistance with transportation and other expenses. This program has opened up exciting possibilities, encouraging me to explore and stay curious.
  • Fernando: “It’s been a rewarding journey. The stipends have been a great help. We have a supportive team, and whenever we have questions, they’re there to assist us. The program also exposes us to different companies—Micron has visited several times. The cohort feels like a small community where we help and relate to each other.”

Q. What sparked your Interest in the Semiconductor Industry?

  • Nga: “Before this, I was a Montessori teacher and decided to explore something new after COVID. I took a cloud computing class, then met Andy Chavez, who introduced me to the Career Readiness Leadership Program. That experience led me here.”
  • Nicole: “I wasn’t sure what career to pursue until I received an email about this program. What captivates me about the semiconductor field is how it impacts everyday life. We rely on semiconductors constantly, often without realizing it.”
  • Fernando: “I’ve always been interested in technology, but I wasn’t certain about my path. While in the ET Scholars Program, I discovered this industry. It’s amazing to learn about fields that need skilled workers. What ultimately inspired me to focus on engineering technology was realizing the significance of the work I could do.”

Q. What are some of the unique experiences and opportunities you’ve had specific to the semiconductor industry?

  • Nga: “I attended a Micron presentation in June, and they highlighted the career paths and job security in this field. With the support they offer, I felt confident about my future in this industry.”
  • Nicole: “I loved touring Micron and seeing the technology, like the moving robots and machinery. The opportunities they provide are incredible.”
  • Fernando: “This is an ideal field for hands-on learners. It’s also a sector where you can start working quickly without needing advanced degrees, and there’s significant room for growth once you’re in.”

Q. What are some of the challenges entering the semiconductor field?

  • Nga: “One challenge is being a female in a male-dominated industry. If someone doubts your abilities, prove them wrong. Build a support network, like this cohort, to help you succeed.”
  • Nicole: “Many people aren’t aware of the semiconductor industry. It’s important to spread the word about the exciting careers available to those with genuine interest.”
  • Fernando: “I also think more people need to know about this industry and programs like the ET Scholars Program. They open up fantastic opportunities.”

Jack Bidlack, NOVA IET’s Director of Strategic Initiatives, offers this advice to prospective apprentices for both the Micron Apprenticeship and the NOVA Pre-Apprenticeship (ET Scholars):

“You have to commit 110%. That’s why apprentices receive a stipend—to reflect their full effort. This is not something you can do part-time – you’re either all in or you’re out. If you’re in, there are people and companies like Micron ready to support you.

These are our students, and they will succeed. We strive to address every challenge they face in a way that ensures their success. Our goal is to guide them through a one-year program and into a career. It’s incredibly fulfilling because I’m hopeful that, in the future, they’ll pay it forward. My expectation is that these students will return to NOVA, share their experiences with the next group of pre-apprentices, and recruit them into these programs.”

How to apply for ET Career Scholars for the 2025-2026 academic year:

Engineering Technology (ET) Career Scholars is an excellent opportunity for graduating or graduated high school students to get into an in-demand technology career in semiconductor manufacturing and/or data center operations.

Go to https://www.nvcc.edu/academics/divisions/iet/systemic/scholar.html and fill out the interest form. Applications will be available mid-January, 2025 and you will be notified if you fill out the interest form. Selections will be completed by the end of May. There will be 2 to 3 cohorts with 40 to 60 students total.

You don’t have to have technical skills or high math scores in order to apply. You just have to be serious and interested in starting a full-time job within a year. In order to apply, you have to turn 18 before the end of the program.

Interested individuals can use the NOVA Engage app to stay informed.

ET Career Scholars is funded through grants from the U.S. Department of Labor and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

 

 

Business Engagement, Career & Leadership Readiness Institute, Career & Technical Education, CLRI, Community Partnerships, Cybersecurity, Data Center Operations, Data Centers, Industry Partnerships, Mentoring, Networking, NOVA IET

CLRI Wraps Up Fall Cohort with Executive Mentoring and Networking Event

 

The Fall 2024 IET Career and Leadership Institute (CLRI), led by M. Andy Chaves and Sedrick Settle, concluded on October 24, 2024, with an Executive Mentoring and Networking event at the Woodbridge campus.

This season, 14 students completed the CLRI program, finishing a five-week journey that began in September. Participants completed six workshops covering critical topics such as leadership, effective communication, building your personal brand, how to write a technical resume, and trends in IT careers.

The Fall 2024 CLRI cohort also participated in site tours and a mock interviewing event coordinated with AWS. Through these robust and enriching experiences, students gained interpersonal skills, practiced networking—many through LinkedIn connections—and built confidence.

The program concluded with an executive networking event featuring 11 leaders from top companies, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), CoreSite, Digital Realty, Google, Iron Mountain, Meerkat Cyber, Red Hat, Suffolk Construction, and U.S. Transactions Corp.

To cap off the event, mentors and students received recognition, and participants stayed an extra hour to connect with industry professionals.

Student Feedback on CLRI

CLRI students shared their excitement for the program:

  • “The CLRI is an amazing experience. It opened my eyes to many new ideas and opportunities.”
    —Ilham Data Center Operations
  • “CLRI is a great foundation for students—it gives clear direction, teaches new skills, introduces people from diverse backgrounds, and offers unique experiences. I highly recommend it.” —Anchinalush, Cybersecurity and Health Science
  • “The program is very exciting. I’m glad I joined after Andy and Sedrick introduced it to our class. It was my first time experiencing data centers.”
    —Jack, Data Center Operations
  • “CLRI was fantastic. I’ll graduate in December, ready to apply everything I’ve learned. Andy and Sedrick bring together amazing people to support us.”
    —Mary, Cybersecurity
  • “This experience has been invaluable for my first semester at NOVA, providing me with valuable connections.”
    —James, Data Center Operations 

Insights from Industry Professionals

CLRI also granted students valuable perspectives from experienced leaders:

  • Steve Jolly, Data Center Cluster Manager, Amazon Web Services:
    “A great attitude is everything. Technical skills can be taught, but attitude and behavior are much harder to change. Curiosity, self-improvement, and a bias for action truly make a difference.”
  • Chris Haigh, CEO & Certified CMMC Assessor, Meerkat Cyber, LLC:
    “Find something that fascinates you, pursue certifications, and engage with it daily. Always keep learning.”
  • John Limbacher, Market Technical Manager, Digital Realty:
    “Building gigawatt campuses and working with high-tech solutions for companies like Nvidia—there’s a lot of excitement in the data center industry.”
  • Miguel Ramos, Sr. Data Center Manager, CoreSite:
    “At CoreSite, we train interns in security, telecom, and facilities—critical components of our operations.”
  • Todd Byington, Critical Facilities Manager, Iron Mountain:
    “Data centers offer roles in everything from facilities operations and project management to sales and security, providing a wide range of opportunities.”
  • Wade Tetsuka, President of U.S. Transactions Corp:
    “Our software company collaborates with Microsoft partners. For those considering entrepreneurship in IT or software, it’s a rewarding path.”

Congratulations to the students and thank you to the executives who contributed to the success of the program.  We hope to see more students in the Spring ’25 CLRI program.

AFCOM, Business Engagement, Career & Leadership Readiness Institute, CLRI, Data Center Operations, Data Centers, Internships, Networking, NOVA to Workforce

AFCOM Internship Leads to Job Offers for NOVA Students

The AFCOM summer internship concluded on August 6 at Topgolf in Ashburn, capping off a successful season where job offers were extended to NOVA students!

During the internship, students had the opportunity to work at two, and sometimes three, different companies. This experience provided them with a broader understanding of their role as DCO technicians and the critical impact they have in ensuring vital infrastructure remains operational 100% of the time.

Phil Baroody, Director of Business Development at Rosendin and AFCOM Secretary, remarked, “Gaining an understanding in the classroom through the Data Center Operations program and then applying that knowledge to real work in operations, facilities, and engineering within Northern Virginia is an exceptional opportunity. This experience not only solidifies their classroom learning but also offers potential job placements and valuable networking with industry veterans committed to their success.”

“What I’ve noticed about NOVA students is that they fully utilize the resources available to them,” said Christopher Lettiere, Senior Director at CoreSite. “They have access to data centers, providers, and tech companies. In my experience working at CoreSite and with NOVA, they get it right, and the results speak for themselves.”

Among the 14 AFCOM interns, 13 were from NOVA. Nearly all of these interns received job offers; while three chose to continue their education, many accepted the offers and embarked on careers with data center partners. Of those who accepted, two joined Iron Mountain, two went to Vantage, and one to CompuDynamics.

AFCOM is an association dedicated to the career advancement of IT and data center professionals. The 10-week internship program, led by the AFCOM Potomac Chapter, connects students with industry partners. It is designed to build the data center industry by partnering with NOVA’s IET Division and offering paid summer internships to students in the DCO programs.

“The great thing about this program is that it’s hands-on, and each student has a dedicated steward,” said Jennifer Andos, Creative Director & Owner of Paperfish Creative and AFCOM Director of Events. “Whether things aren’t going well or they just need someone to talk to, they always have someone to check in with. This person is there to guide them and answer their questions.”

“It’s important to recognize the role of industry players like AFCOM,” said TJ Ciccone, Vice President of Critical Operations at STACK. “Our group has been crucial in supporting the internship program, which has been a major driver of its success. This is the seventh year we’ve run it, and this year we surpassed 50 interns over the program’s duration. Nearly every hireable intern secured a job by the end of the summer. There’s no other industry like it.”

Phil Baroody, Chris Lettiere, Pat Lally, Caroline Titlebaum, and TJ Ciccone lead the AFCOM education committee.

For those interested in this opportunity next summer, keep an eye out for applications in early 2025.

AFCOM, Business Engagement, Data Center Operations, Data Centers, Engineering Technology, Industry Partnerships, Industry Tours, Internships, Mentoring, Professional Development, Scholarships

AFCOM Interns Celebrate Completion

The AFCOM summer internship concluded on August 16 at Top Golf in Ashburn with job offers for NOVA Students!

Hard work paid off and career pathways were established after the completion of the 2023 AFCOM Internship. This year, $25,000 was donated to NOVA DCO students through the Wendy Darling Scholarship, established by Stuart Dyer, a board member of the Potomac Chapter of AFCOM, and managed by the NOVA Educational Foundation.

During the internship, students experienced working at 2 and sometimes 3 different companies, gaining a much broader understanding of how their role as a DCO technician impacts the business and keeps the critical infrastructure up and operational 100% of the time.

Out of the 20 AFCOM interns, 16 were from NOVA. Every NOVA intern was given a job offer, and while some declined in order to continue their education, many decided to take up the offer and pursue their careers with data center partners. Of those who accepted, 4 went to Iron Mountain, and 1 each went to Google, Aligned, Coresite, and Iconicx.

AFCOM is an association for career advancement of IT and data center professionals. The 10-week internship program lead by the AFCOM Potomac Chapter, connects students to industry partners and is centered around building the data center industry by partnering with NOVA’s IET Division and providing paid summer internships to students in the DCO programs.

For those of you who would like to take advantage of this opportunity for next summer, be on the lookout for applications in early 2024!

Business Engagement, Conferences, Data Center Operations, Design Thinking, Digital Fabrication, Emerging Technologies, Engineering Technology, In-Demand Technology Pathways

NOVA Grant Conference Spotlight

NOVA Sessions at HI-TEC in Atlanta

In late July, NOVA SySTEMic attended the NSF’s HI-TEC conference in Atlanta, Georgia. This 3-day conference is intended to bring together secondary and post-secondary educators involved in technician education, especially in new and emerging technologies.

NOVA led two sessions at the conference: Beyond Keychain Syndrome: Integrating Design Thinking into Digital Fabrication Education and Data Center Operations (DCO) as an Emerging Engineering Technology Discipline.

The first session, lead by IET Project Manager Chris Russell and co-written by Fab Lab Coordinators Richard Sewell and Mary Ratcliff, presented the Lab’s pedagogical work integrating human-centered empathy-based design into teacher professional learning, youth summer camps, and post-secondary education. This session aimed to help attendees move beyond keychain syndrome, or the tendency to introduce digital fabrication technologies by fabricating simple pre-designed objects.

The second session, led by NOVA SySTEMic director Josh Labrie provided attendees with an introduction to data centers and NOVA’s data center operations program, with an emphasis on how attendees could discover the industry’s footprint in their own region.

More about the 2023 HI-TEC Conference here

NOVA IET Programs Published at ASEE

On June 26-28, NOVA staff members Josh Labrie, Chris Russell, and Antarjot Kaur attended the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) conference in Baltimore, MD.

NOVA presented two posters at the conference’s NSF Grantee Poster Session and published two accompanying papers in the conference proceedings.

NOVA’s first paper – Integrating Design Thinking and Digital Fabrication into Engineering Technology Education through Interdisciplinary Professional Learning – used data from SySTEMic’s Design Thinking Fellowship to investigate the extent to which teacher confidence in integrating design thinking & digital fabrication changed after participation in the PL.

NOVA’s second paper, titled Building Data Center Career Pathways Through K-12 Industry Externships, used qualitative category analysis to investigate how educators planned to integrate knowledge about the Virginia data center industry into their practice following participating in a structured externship.

For more information and to read the papers, see the following links:

Labrie, J., & Russell, C., & Kaur, A. (2023, June), Board 226: Building Data Center Career Pathways Through K-12 Industry Externships Paper presented at 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Baltimore , Maryland. https://peer.asee.org/42661

Russell, C., & Labrie, J., & Kaur, A. (2023, June), Board 321: Integrating Design Thinking and Digital Fabrication into Engineering Technology Education through Interdisciplinary Professional Learning Paper presented at 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Baltimore , Maryland. https://peer.asee.org/42907

Business Engagement, Career & Leadership Readiness Institute, Career Skills, Community Partnerships, Engineering Technology, IET Events, Industry Partnerships, Information Technology, Internships, Interpersonal Skills, Mentoring, Networking, NOVA IET Career Pathways

CLRI Celebrates Spring Graduates at Networking Event

On March NOVA IET hosted the Executive Mentoring (EM) and Networking event at the Annandale Campus as the culmination of the Spring Career and Leadership Readiness Institute (CLRI). 

CLRI students completing the program networked with nine industry professionals from various organizations including Microsoft, Coresite, Iron Mountain Data Centers, HRTech, Simple Technology Solutions, Cytalks, AWS, and Lockheed Martin.

A total of 23 students completed the Spring CLRI program and were recognized for their efforts with a short ceremony where they received CLRI leather portfolios and a CLRI T-shirt. They participated in facilitated roundtable discussions with the industry professionals who shared insights into careers in the IT industry before a catered networking event with CLRI grads eager to learn and build their networks.

The industry professionals shared their stories, provided career advice, and encouraged learning and professional development as keys to starting an enriching career. The CLRI program depends on the participation from industry professionals both as workshop presenters and EMs.

The Spring CLRI program offered a blended approach including virtual and in-person workshops, Technical Resume Writing, in-depth discussions about Government vetting and clearances, Mock Interviews, a team project formulated around a case study with a community service component and the EM and Networking event.

All sessions were recorded and are available through Canvas.

NOVA IET’s Sedrick Settle and M. Andy Chaves lead this Spring cohort and served as mentors and guides to encourage attendance, participation and completion of the CLRI program elements.  Many of these students have applied for paid summer internships offered through various NOVA IET strategic partners.

For more about CLRI go to www.nvcc.edu/career-services/clri.html

 

 

Business Engagement, Career & Leadership Readiness Institute, Career Skills, CLRI, Data Center Operations, Engineering Technology, IET Events, Industry Partnerships, Industry Tours, Information Technology, Internships, Interpersonal Skills, Mentoring, Networking, NOVA Foundation, Student to Workforce

CLRI Celebrates Fall Graduates at Networking Event

The Fall Career and Leadership Readiness Institute (CLRI) concluded on November 17 at the Woodbridge Campus (at the site of the future NOVA Data Center Training Facility). NOVA IET students put their newly enhanced career skills in action to make industry connections at a final networking session, the culminating event for students before they receive their certificates of completion. This was particularly notable this semester as it was the first in-person CLRI at NOVA since it was established in 2020.

Through an extracurricular 5-week course, CLRI students were trained how to interview, create a resume that stands out, manage interpersonal skills in a diverse workplace, and more. Students were also treated to two tours of an IET partner, STACK Infrastructure Data Center.

The final networking event kicked-off with remarks from VP of IET and College Computing Dr. Chad Knights before students and IET professionals gathered for a round table discussion and Q & A on relevant experiences and pressing needs in the tech workforce. After the discussion, Executive Director of the NOVA Foundation Kelly Persons addressed graduates and presented them with completion certificates and a leather CLRI portfolio. Graduates also receive a digital CLRI badge that they can add to their LinkedIn profiles.

Following the certificate presentation, CLRI students put their skills to the test during a catered meal where there were opportunities to network with the industry partners from the roundtable discussions. One of the major draws of CLRI and especially the final networking event is that graduates obtain immediate internship opportunities and receive priority consideration for our paid summer internships. 2-3 students from the fall CLRI cohort have been offered winter-break internships at Digital Realty and 3 CLRI students have already been extended an offer of employment from various industry partners.

Feedback from CLRI graduates included the following:

“CLRI helped me to get professional skills, to meet people, to make connections, to build my network. I really learned how to rebrand my resumé to attract hiring managers.” – Kanyin, NOVA IT Major

“I want to get better, I want to be better, I want to do better, and I want an opportunity to come my way. This gave me the opportunity. It was a lot of fun and definitely built my confidence” – Elizabeth, NOVA IT Major

“The nicest thing about CLRI is that you get to know a lot of people who are like-minded, and industry professionals who give you really good advice. It’s definitely worth joining.” – Hamid, IST Major

“I would 100% recommend CLRI. The networking aspect was what I got the most from. Tom (Tom Gerencer, CLRI’s Technical Resume Instructor), who I was able to contact via LinkedIn, turned my resume from OK to fantastic.” – Tim, ET Major

“Once [NOVA students] come into the program, they will feel how impactful CLRI is on their career journey.” – Tahiba, IT Major

For the Fall 2022 cohort, 34 NOVA students are scheduled to complete CLRI (make-up sessions are due Dec 15) and 52 students attended at least one workshop. Overall, since it’s implementation, CLRI has surpassed 100 completers.

Special recognition goes to M. Andy Chaves, NOVA SySTEMic CTE Coordinator, and Sedrick Settle, IET Career Advisor for their exemplary work in running CLRI with excellence and enthusiasm from beginning to end this semester.

You can reach M. Andy at machaves@nvcc.edu and Sedrick at ssettle@nvcc.edu

Industry Partners who attended the CLRI Networking Event:

Keron Taylor, Data Center Operations Manager, Google
Troy Hill, Director of Data Center Operations, Iron Mountain Data Centers
Jay Mitchell, Operations Manager, Iron Mountain Data Centers
Scott LaCasse, Supervisor of Workstation Support, PWCS
Darlene Armenta, Director of Talent Acquisition, Red River
Koren Flint, Senior Director of Customer Experience, Red River
Christopher Lettiere, Director of Data Center Operations, Coresite
Rob Morgan, Director of Project Management, CompuDynamics
Sal Amado, Director of Learning & Development, Simple Technology Solutions

Spring CLRI Opportunities:

If you are a NOVA student and want to get ahead in your career, CLRI will continue in Spring 2023, with a kick-off event on Feb 16 and workshops beginning the following week on Feb 21. You can sign up for our Spring 2023 Interest Form at https://www.nvcc.edu/career-services/clri.html to be notified when applications are available. We will also keep you up to date through our monthly Newsletter, which you can sign up for at http://newsletter.novastem.us

Another good resource to keep up with IET and future CLRI sessions and feedback is the NOVA Engage App, which you can find on Apple and Google Play. Some CLRI students who received internships applied directly through the App.

3D Printing, ATE PI Conference 2022, Business Engagement, Career & Technical Education, Data Center Operations, DCO Tech NSF Grant, Design Thinking, Engineering Technology, Fab Lab, Fabrication, Fellowships, Grants, Industry Tours, Makers By Design NSF Grant, Makerspace, NSF Grants, PDI NSF Grant, Professional Development

NOVA IET at the ATE PI Conference

 

In Washington D.C. from Oct 26-28, five NOVA PI’s (principal investigators), leading three National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) projects attended the 2022 NSF ATE PI Conference to network with community college PIs and program officers at the annual conference. The NOVA PIs highlighted their project successes and collaborated with colleagues from around the country to advance the education of technicians for the high-technology fields that drive the nation’s economy.

The conference brought together more than 600 NSF ATE grantees and their project partners to focus on the critical issues related to advanced technological education. Conference participants represent community colleges, business and industry, secondary school systems, and four-year colleges in a wide variety of areas, such as information technology, engineering technology, micro- and nanotechnologies, chemical technology, biotechnology, and more.

>> Article on Benefits of ATE Grants

Because of grant-based programs and activities, NOVA students have more access to in-demand, high-paying STEM careers, and NOVA faculty and staff are provided the tools to increase awareness and opportunities for these important fields of study.

NOVA’s NSF ATE Projects:

 DCO Tech: Expanding Regional Capacity for Training in Engineering Technology and Data Center Operations.

PI: Josh Labrie | Co-PIs: Amir Mehmood & TJ Ciccone

At the ATE conference, Josh Labrie, Director of NOVA SySTEMic, and TJ Ciccone, DCO Adjunct Faculty and VP of Critical Infrastructure at STACK Infrastructure, highlighted the NSF ATE project DCO Tech. This project is designed to increase regional capacity for training in Engineering Technology (ET) and Data Center Operations (DCO) through expanded recruitment, employment training, and increased collaboration between industry, K-12 educators, and faculty. At the conference the team highlighted the successes of the Summer Bridge Program and the Secondary Externship. In addition, Ciccone lead a presentation on DCO: Building Awareness and Opportunity for an Emerging Field.

In 2022, NOVA’s Summer Bridge Program for Engineering Technology saw 20 high school students (14 rising seniors and 6 graduates) complete the 2-week summer enrichment program which provided them with 1-credit in SDV. Students participated in industry tours of Micron Technology and STACK Infrastructure, a local data center, to learn about the career opportunities and pathways in engineering technology. Additionally, students experienced NOVA through campus tours and NOVA student offices presentations, and 14 earned an OSHA 10 industry certification. NOVA included transportation between campuses, field trips to industry partners, and an ice cream social to cap off the program.

In addition, 18 educators completed the Secondary Externship for school CTE administrators, teachers, and counselors to raise awareness for engineering technology and DCO careers. NOVA’s Secondary Externship program equips educators with knowledge about ET and DCO careers and the educational pathways NOVA provides to prepare students for the technology workforce. Externship educators attended tours of Micron and STACK Infrastructure, as well as a professional development day at the NOVA Fab Lab. The goal is to create clear pathways and provide materials to illuminate NOVA’s ET and DCO programs and the careers they lead to.

After the conference, Labrie was ebullient about the importance of Data Center Operations and the players behind its growth: “NOVA has exceptional faculty members like TJ Ciccone whose combination of industry experience and passion for education benefit our students and the grant funded work we do. At the NSF ATE PI conference, TJ and I were able to share NOVA’s DCO program with faculty from around the country. My hope is that NOVA’s successful program can serve as a model for other colleges to engage in DCO education, and that this work will raise awareness for data center education and career opportunities.”

Bridge programs and Externships continue in spring/summer 2023. Students and educators can sign up now to receive notification when applications are available at info.novastem.us/SummerPrograms

Makers By Design: Supporting Instructors to Embed Design Thinking in Digital Fabrication Courses.

PI: Josh Labrie | Co-PIs: Hamadi Belghith & Richard Sewell

Makers By Design (MBD) strengthens engineering technology pathways by providing professional learning for postsecondary faculty and K-12 educators and seeks to create a community of practice among engineering educators involved in community-based makerspaces at public libraries, private organizations, public school systems, colleges, and universities.

MBD Grant Project Manager Chris Russell represented MBD at the conference and highlighted the Design Thinking Fellowship to attendees.

The Fellowship, funded by MBD, is comprised of middle and high school teachers, informal STEM learning professionals, and college faculty. The fellowship comes with a stipend and involves completing a 5-day Professional Learning (PL) Institute at the NOVA Fab Lab in Spring 2023, teaching PL topics at a 1-week summer camp and creating and implementing PL classroom activities.

In 2022, the design thinking cohort of 17 fellows participated in five professional learning workshops and provided 116 middle and high school youth a digital fabrication summer camp at NOVA and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. The cohort will complete the fellowship by creating a design challenge and contributing a lesson plan to the project for design thinking.

Next spring we will host a second cohort of Design Thinking Fellowship educators. Recruitment will begin in November and there will be interest meetings on Wednesday November 9th and also on Tuesday December 6th. You can sign up for these sessions at fellowship.novastem.us/MBDinfo. If you are already familiar with the fellowship and ready to apply you can do so at fellowship.novastem.us/MBDapply

On the ATE conference, Russell reflected: “increasing alignment between industry needs and classroom instruction is a pressing concern in rapidly advancing technological fields. Through the thoughtful feedback from our ATE colleagues, we will improve our teacher preparation to better serve employers and students in the region.”

Product Design Incubator (PDI): Fostering Entrepreneurial Mindset Through Interdisciplinary Product Design

PI: Richard Sewell | Co-PIs: Cameisha Chin & Paula Ford

Richard Sewell, NOVA’s Fab Lab Manager, was at the conference and observed: “the ATE Conference was an excellent opportunity to engage with fellow technology educators to compare our approaches, learn new methods, and share our findings in a constantly changing tech arena. By the end of the conference, it became clear that NOVA’s NSF ATE programs are tackling head-on the most pressing issues shared throughout the nation’s top academies.”

Sewell is the PI on the NSF Product Design Incubator (PDI) Grant. PDI is a new project designed to train community college students through a product design challenge that aims to combine technical knowledge with soft skills and interpersonal development. Each year, PDI participants will:

  • Learn entrepreneurship skills during 6 spring workshops.
  • Design and protype a product during a summer product design incubator.
  • Pitch a product to regional entrepreneurs
  • Receive a $3000 stipend for completion

Essentially, PDI will increase contact between students and industry professionals, foster interdisciplinary collaboration between NOVA students and staff, and increase the supply of IET workers with industry required collaboration, communication, and critical-thinking skills.

You can complete a apply PDI application at fablab.novastem.us/PDIapply

Interest meetings will be held on Thursday, November 10 and Thursday, December 8. You can register for those at fablab.novastem.us/PDIinfo

To learn more about our Grants in general visit www.nvcc.edu/academics/divisions/it/sponsored-grants.html

 

Business Engagement, Engineering Technology, Externships, Industry Tours, NOVA Fab Lab, NSF Grant, NSF Grants, STEM Education

DCO Tech Externship Educators Tour Micron and Stack

Engineering technology teachers, counselors, and administrators had the opportunity to tour Micron and Stack Infrastructure this month as part of a NOVA Secondary Educator Externship to help guide students into Engineering Technology careers. There are more tours available for June.

This Externship program is a component of an NSF funded grant awarded to NOVA to expand the pipeline of students preparing for careers in engineering technology. It helps teachers, counselors, and administrators develop first-hand knowledge of engineering technology through higher education and industry connections.

Participants tour local facilities, engage in discussions with industry and higher education leaders, and develop a plan to guide their students to careers in engineering technology.

Participants must participate in a tour of Micron Technology in Manassas and STACK Infrastructure in Ashburn as well as tour NOVA’s Fab Lab and engage in discussion about NOVA programs.

Students who completed NOVA’s Career and Leadership Readiness Institute have been invited to join the externship participants to learn about engineering technology careers and opportunities with industry partners.

Tours of Micron Technology and STACK Infrastructure were held in April and May. The Secondary Externship application is still available, with final tour dates of both sites scheduled for the end of June.

For more information go to iet.novastem.us/Externship2

Business Engagement, Career & Technical Education, Design Thinking, Employee Spotlight, Engineering Technology, Mentoring, STEM Awards, STEM Events

STEM Coordinator Brendan Murphy Wins Awards

It’s been a big month for NOVA SySTEMic’s Annandale STEM Coordinator Brendan Murphy!

First, Brendan was awarded the Emerging Leader Award at the 2022 International Technology and Engineering Education Association (ITEEA) conference in Orlando, FL on March 9-12.

The Emerging Leader Award is presented in recognition of educators who have demonstrated a high level of competence, dedication, commitment, and professional activity in the field of technology and engineering education.

Brendan served ITEEA’s Council for STEM Leadership as the membership chairperson, presented at the conference on the application of Design Thinking and Digital Fabrication, and hosted a Networking and Mentoring workshop to support young professionals foster relationships with mentors in the field.

Secondly, at the same event, he was awarded with the Burke Supervision and Shared Leadership Scholarship, which is presented to practicing leaders in the technology and engineering profession with supervisory responsibilities and helps support the advancement of technology and engineering researched-based practices at major professional development conferences.

Thirdly, Brendan was selected as a Fellow for the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) 2022 NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leadership Program, (sponsored by ECMC Foundation). The NextLevel Fellowship provides professional and career growth opportunities to the next generation of leaders in postsecondary CTE programs through this nationally-recognized program that is engaging, individualized, and memorable. Seventeen fellows were selected for the 2022-2023 cohort. See Brendan’s ACTE bio here

Brendan reflected on his awards: “It’s an honor to be recognized by such distinguished technology and engineering professionals. I’m excited to have the opportunity to continue to advance our profession and impact the lives of students and educators locally, nationally, and internationally.”

Congratulations, Brendan! We’re glad you are on our team.

#WeDoSTEM #InDemandTech #ITEEA #ACTE