Empowering Educators Builds the Optics Manufacturing Workforce

AmeriCOM’s Science Educator Liaison, Donna Smith, recently held an incredible 3-day teacher workshop in Tucson, Arizona. This immersive experience brought K–12 educators directly into the world of precision optics, photonics, and semiconductors.

With the benefit of Cross-Industry Learning Education, Donna explored the vital intersections between optics, photonics, and semiconductor manufacturing—critical sectors for our national technology readiness. Hosted at Edmond Optics, Donna led specialized hands-on training sessions, giving teachers practical tools to bring optics concepts back to their classrooms. Participants were given behind-the-scenes tours of Edmund Optics’ facility as well as the world-class University of Arizona cleanroom.

This teaching opportunity was possible through partnerships with Spark Photonics Foundation, Pima JTED, SEMI Foundation, SCOP – Southwest Center for Optics and Photonics, and the team at Edmund Optics.

K–12 teachers learn more about optics, photonics and semiconductors. 

Teachers benefited from hands-on training sessions.

By investing in our teachers, we are inspiring the next
generation of innovators, technicians, and engineers.

Connecting With the Next Generation of Optics Technicians

 
Donna Smith was also on the road meeting with students and teachers to spread the word about the many opportunities in the optics field.
 
In New York:
  • Gates Chili (GC) High School held a Careers in Demand breakfast, where Donna shared a table with Optimax. A former GC student who is now in the Monroe Community College (MCC) Optical Technology program was also there to share their first-hand experience in optics.
  • Donna presented to the FLX STEM HUB about AmeriCOM’s workforce development efforts and how local optics companies are benefiting by using AmeriCOM’s COM-Lab. Educational institutions, nonprofits, and optics companies participated in the event.
  • Penfield High School Career Night was a success, for the optics presentation with about 100 students and parents learning about careers in the optics field.
 
In Montana:
  • At the Gallatin College, MSU, GC360: A World of Career and Technical Education event in Bozeman, MT, Donna led about 300 students in a hands-on experience making their own hologram viewers. AmeriCOM, along with other optics and photonics organizations, introduced this exciting field to students, guidance counselors and parents.

Donna Smith works directly with students at the Gallatin College, MSU, GC360 event.