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MCC Daily Tribune

MCC Awarded $4.4M Federal Grant to Bolster Optics Education/Training

On Wednesday, Congressman Joe Morelle announced that MCC has been awarded a $4.4 million grant by the Office of Naval Research for the College's Defense Engineering Education Program in Optics (DEEP OPS). This program will increase the national optics workforce through innovative training programs that will prepare students for these high-demand careers that support the U.S. Department of Defense.

"I'm so pleased that MCC has been awarded this significant grant which will leverage their unique assets to help fill high-demand jobs in the optics field," said Rep. Morelle. "With 98% of these jobs currently going unfilled in our region, it's more important than ever that we strengthen our workforce development initiatives and help students prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. I'm grateful to the Office of Naval Research for their support and congratulate MCC on this outstanding opportunity that will help cement our community's place as a leader in high-tech fields."

"The grant allows MCC to strengthen our region's optics workforce and help fulfill growing demands for skilled technicians in the defense critical field of applied optics," said President Kress. "With federal support, we will expand our programs and apprenticeship network to attract more students, especially those from underserved populations, to optics education and careers. We are grateful to Congressman Morelle and Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their support in securing this grant."

The grant award will support the efforts of MCC's DEEP OPS to expand enrollment in precision optics fields through innovative training initiatives. During its initial three-year period, this program will impact a minimum of 3,000 high school students, college students, apprentices, and incumbent workers and will provide professional development to high school teachers and MCC faculty. In addition, DEEP OPS will establish 150 apprenticeships and 30 industry sponsors to help build greater community awareness of these career opportunities.

The grant application was led by Alexis Vogt, Ph.D., associate professor and endowed chair of MCC's optical systems technology program.

Hency Yuen-Eng
Government and Community Relations
10/03/2019