Background:

With a vision for the future, Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Waco developed the nation's first Laser Electro-Optics Technology (LET) program in 1969. Since that time, TSTC has continued to successfully train laser optics technicians for rewarding careers in the photonics industry and those industries enabled by photonics.

In an effort to increase awareness of this growing field, TSTC Waco is partnering with the National Center for Optics and Photonics Education (OP-TEC) to offer a Summer Institute in optics and photonics and its associated photonics-enabled applications. TSTC Waco currently serves as an OP-TEC college partner specializing in photonics and nanotechnology. OP-TEC is a National Science Foundation (NSF) National Center of Excellence headquartered in Waco.

TSTC’s Mission:

• Increase the number of students in the Laser Electro-Optics and Nanotechnology programs at TSTC Waco.
• Develop 4+2+2 career pathways for high school students in photonics-enabled technology education programs.
• Increase the number of graduates in these programs and employ them in a photonics career field.

OP-TEC’s Mission:

• Enhance optics and photonics education nationally.
• Increase the number of photonics-enabled associate degree programs nationally.
• Work with high schools and community and technical college faculty to increase the number of students entering the photonics-enabled programs.
• Create high school-to-community college “pipelines” of highly qualified and strongly motivated students.
• Increase the numbers of graduates from these programs in an effort to meet the urgent need for optics and photonics technicians.

Participant Eligibility:

The Institute is open to teachers, counselors and students (grades 9-12). Students are selected based on an application. Teachers and counselors must submit an application containing information on their current job position, experience and interest in photonics and photonics-enabled technology fields. To view complete application details and instructions or to submit an application online, please click here.

Teacher & Counselor Credits:

Teachers and counselors completing the Institute will be eligible to receive continuing education credits.

Curriculum:
The Summer Institute’s curriculum will provide participants with classroom lecture and valuable hands-on training in the photonics skills required in the photonics industry. The curriculum will also cover basic laser and optics principles and their associated applications, career opportunities and educational program opportunities.

Purpose:
The purpose for the Summer Institute is to provide students, teachers and counselors the opportunity to learn more about:

• the skills required to be successful in photonics-enabled careers;
• the career choices and applications of the photonics industry; and,
• the educational opportunities available through TSTC’s LET and Nanotechnology programs.

In addition, the Institute provides the unique opportunity for students, teachers and counselors to collaborate and interact in classroom and laboratory environments.

This is the first institute of this series. Lunch will be provided.