Foundation supports Penn College’s high school outreach

For the second consecutive year, Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs is supporting a Pennsylvania College of Technology summer camp that introduces high school students to rewarding manufacturing careers.

Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs, the charitable foundation of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, has provided a $4,000 grant for the college to host Tinker Camp, a program for students entering grades 9-12.

Scheduled for July 14-17, the expanded camp is already filled with 15 girls and 15 boys, chosen via a competitive application process. Last year’s program focused on introducing girls to manufacturing.

“We are grateful for the continued support of Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs to help us offer this valuable opportunity for high school students,” said Kathy D. Chesmel, assistant dean of materials science & engineering technologies. “It’s vital that we introduce the promise of manufacturing careers to a diverse collection of students. These careers are high tech and in demand.”

According to a recent report from the Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte, as many as 3.8 million additional employees could be needed in manufacturing between now and 2033, and nearly 2 million of those jobs could go unfilled if manufacturers fail at addressing the skills and applicant gaps.

“Our students who graduate with a manufacturing-related associate or bachelor’s degree often choose from multiple job offers before commencement,” Chesmel said. “Their technical skills set them apart in the eyes of employers. We want more young people to enjoy those opportunities. That’s why the Tinker Camp is so important.”

During the camp, participants will receive hands-on experience in engineering design, polymer engineering, machining and automated manufacturing, and welding engineering technology.

College faculty will lead workshops in the school’s state-of-the-art labs. Sessions will be complemented by guest speakers and tours of regional manufacturers. All campers will assemble and take home a 3D printer. Thanks to the grant from Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs, as well as support from the Gene Haas Foundation and EQT Corp., the registration fee was just $50.

Participants who complete any Penn College Summer Camp are eligible to receive $1,000 off tuition, per year, if they enroll at Penn College. To learn more, visit the Summer Camps site.

For information on Penn College’s various manufacturing-related degrees and other majors offered by the School of Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520.

Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. Email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222 for more information.