GORHAM, MAINE – Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) unveiled the first of its new Mobile Learning Lab vans this Friday as part of a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) training. This training is part of a mobile learning lab program made possible by a $1 million Congressional Directed Spending (CDS) request from Maine Representative Jared Golden.
Mobile Learning Lab launch at Gorham Middle School
The initial training was held at Gorham Middle School (GMS), led by instructors from SMCC and facilitators from GMS. The van transported equipment for students to participate in a class where they each built a Silly String Advanced Deployment Device, demonstrating the possibilities for manufacturing and machine-to-machine communication in the future.
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“The Gorham School district is thankful for its partnership with SMCC in this and many other important educational initiatives,” Gorham Superintendent of Schools Heather Perry said. “Having partners such as SMCC bring incredible learning opportunities that allow students to roll their sleeves up, create, and collaborate is an invaluable opportunity.”
STEM training is just one part of the program that plans to provide manufacturing training to students and educators in the future. The Mobile Learning Lab vans will be equipped with plug-and-play virtual welding units and robotic arms to aid in achieving program goals. These vans will travel across the state to transport all necessary equipment, which will be used to provide training on the relationship between robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), STEM curriculum, and lean manufacturing. The ultimate goal is to automate manufacturing processes.
“This funding is an incredible opportunity to increase student access to STEM, advanced manufacturing, and welding training in Maine,” said SMCC President Dr. Kristen Miller. “It will provide multiple access points at each of Maine’s Community College System (MCCS) locations and increase the number of skilled workers at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) and other manufacturers to keep Maine’s manufacturing jobs in-state. We’re proud to play our part in developing a highly skilled workforce.”
The CDS funding secured by Representative Golden, a process by which members of Congress allocate federal funds to specific projects or programs in their districts or states, will allow the development of the Mobile Learning Lab to deliver training programs to industry professionals, middle and high school students, and participating Jobs for Maine’s Graduates (JMG) schools.
“I’ve been proud to partner with SMCC to bring these transportable labs to Maine’s schools and colleges to create hands-on opportunities many students wouldn’t otherwise get,” Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) said. “This is the exact type of proactivity needed to develop and grow the next generation of Maine manufacturers.”
“SMCC has been at the forefront of STEM and manufacturing training in Maine for some time,” said SMCC Dean of Workforce Development & Midcoast Campus Jim Whitten. “We’re eager to share our expertise with other educators across Maine while continuing to build strong alliances with our partners. Together, we are building an even stronger workforce.”
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