LOWELL – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), State Representative Rodney Elliott, State Representative Vanna Howard, and MCC President Phil Sisson highlighted $409,410 in federal funding granted to Middlesex Community College’s (MCC) Industry Integrated Computer Aided Design (CAD) Expansion Program. This funding was made possible through the Economic Development Administration (EDA)’s STEM Talent Challenge Grant Program.
MCC is receiving one of the 11 total EDA grants awarded nationwide. With this federal funding, MCC’s program will increase student enrollment, partner with local employers, and improve hands-on learning opportunities to produce industry-ready graduates to fulfill the high demand for quality CAD workers.
“Middlesex Community College is doing remarkable work setting students up for success in today’s job market through their Industry Integrated Computer Aided Design courses. Securing this competitive federal funding is a testament to the success of their program that helps students hit the ground running in high demand 21st-century jobs,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “I will continue to work with our community colleges, vocational and tech schools, and local leaders to ensure Massachusetts students have every tool at their disposal to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.”
“We are so grateful to Congresswoman Trahan for her support of our new CAD Learn and Earn program,” said Phil Sisson, MCC’s President. “Our award-winning Learn and Earn programs are one of the most efficient ways for students to enter high-demand industries in Massachusetts, receiving relevant and paid work experience in their field at the same time as they are earning their education. In assisting the expansion of our programs, this funding opens up more opportunities for a diverse population of students to begin their path to stable, well-paying jobs and long-lasting success.”
MCC’s 24-credit, computer-based curriculum provides a foundation in mechanical, electrical, and architectural drafting, printed circuit design, and use of microprocessors. The CAD labs at Middlesex are equipped with computers that complement the popular AutoCAD, Inventor, and SolidWorks software for mechanical courses, Architectural Desktop and Revit for architectural courses and PADS-PCB for printed circuit board design courses. Students create drawings in 2D and 3D, generate solid models and explore animation techniques, all skills sought in the fast-growing, high-salaried field of computer aided design.
Graduates of the program are qualified to pursue jobs in several CAD career fields, including mechanical design, printed circuit design, manufacturing, and architectural design.
Many graduates of the CAD associate degree program have continued their studies toward a bachelor’s degree in engineering or engineering technology at a four-year college.
