3D Printing Aligns Work and Learning at SUNY Rockland

 
EDUCATION AND WORKPLACE
 
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES | Dr. Michael A. Baston, President
 
In a recent quarterly online newsletter published by T-SEC friend and economic development partner, The Council of Industry, Dr. Michael Baston,  President of SUNY Rockland Community College, shared his thoughts on a number of issues confronting educators in higher education today, particularly as regards the need to connect education with job training. He cited T-SEC as a leader in helping educators connect with students and businesses in the community.

A business owner prototypes at Rockland Community College’s Haverstraw 3D Print Center

 
“We can no longer allow a disconnect between education and career trajectory to exist if the nation is to retain its competitiveness globally.
 
The future of work and learning are intertwined, and we remain steadfast in our goal of building bridges to mobility, opportunity, and success.
 
Career pathways matter, particularly now as critical industries like advanced manufacturing, have emerging opportunities that will require an educated and skilled workforce.
 

A significant partnership between RCC and T-SEC.

 
RCC’S partnership with T-SEC, The Strategic Economic Consortium, has made a significant difference.
 
The partnership helped to develop, inform, and support Career Skills Academy offerings, particularly for the Advanced Manufacturing sector, the Assistive Technology, and Healthcare sector, and the Auto industry sector.
 
RCC has a T-SEC-funded 3D print lab at our Haverstraw extension campus, making access to and training on the technology available to educators, students, and the regional manufacturing and business communities.
 
Currently, the print lab works in partnership with Helen Hayes Hospital’s Physical Therapy division to prototype several different assistive technology devices, such as a utilitarian joystick.
 

Reimagining the opportunity ecosystem.

 
To reimagine the opportunity ecosystem a commitment to inclusive excellence, educational access, programmatic diversity, and the alignment of work and learning is required.
 

Carl Meyer, CEO of T-SEC meets with the Assistive Technology team at Helen Hayes Hospital