NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D., the faculty and staff of NVCC hosted a warm welcome to 45 new students of the Waterbury cohorts. The students are a mix of high school graduates, displaced workers caught in down-sizing companies, and referrals from the Connecticut Department of Labor (DOL). The DOL pays tuition and fees for the 10 students that it refers to the College through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

The President shared the successful history of the program and reminded the students that the incentives she instituted five years ago to reward manufacturing students, still apply.  The Presidential Award recognizes the top achieving students from both cohorts 1 & 2 during their first semester. The students must hold a GPA of “B” or better in all their subject areas, have excellent attendance during the semester, and have their instructor’s recommendation. The very best or the top 10 students from each cohort will receive an additional award for their outstanding achievement. More than just a certificate, the awards generously support student participation by providing, at no cost to the recipient, classes such as cutting-edge manufacturing industry topics to help build a stronger resume upon graduation.

This year all award winners will receive MasterCam software training along with OSHA 10 certification. The top 10 students will receive in addition to those two offerings,   3D printing, with an introduction to Additive Manufacturing, and Solidworks.  

The Manufacturing program is in its second year on the Danbury campus of the College, where classes are offered at Henry Abbott Technical High School. Currently NVCC is holding evening classes for four cohorts with a total of 37 students that meet 3 evenings per week.