More than 100 area high school students got the chance to learn what GCC offers during the first annual Engineering & Technology Day on Thursday, April 25 in N100.  

High school seniors from Ansonia High School, Eli Whitney Technical High School, Hamden High School and West Haven High School attended the event to learn about careers in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM).  Students got to see GCC’s soccer-playing robots, view lab projects, and tour the manufacturing lab.  Digital electronics and 3D printers also were in use for students to see.

Eric Flynn, Department Chair for Engineering Technology, talked to students about the opportunities available to study at GCC.  The College offers programs in biomedical engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering and railroad engineering.  There are one-year certificate programs in computer-aided design (CAD), computer servicing, electronics technician and quality control.

Flynn noted that he earned his associate degree from GCC and went to the University of Connecticut to study electrical engineering.  He noted that half of the faculty in his department started their education at a community college, continued their education after graduation and they all now have master’s degrees and Ph.D.’s. 

Mark Kosinski, Dean of Academic Affairs, stressed the importance of an associate degree in providing job opportunities.  In 1973, only about 26 percent of Americans need a credential to get a job.  By 1992, that figure jumped to 56 percent.  As of today, Kosinski noted, approximately 70 percent of Americans need a credential to obtain employment.  Kosinski offered some promising news to those considering continuing their education, noting that as of 2018, there are approximately three million jobs openings that can be obtained by those holding an associate degree.