WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — With the support of a U.S. National Science Foundation grant, Pennsylvania College of Technology is offering a pathway for high school students to earn 32 college credits and a certificate in polymer processing at no cost.
“Polymer processing is the means by which we utilize polymer materials – most commonly plastics – and turn them into useful products through various manufacturing techniques,” explained Vii J. Rice, assistant professor and co-department head of polymer engineering technology at Penn College.
Designed for high school juniors and seniors, the certificate program – developed with the college’s polymer industry advisory board – provides training on high-tech machines and equipment used by top manufacturers. After obtaining the 32 college credits and certificate, students will possess the skill set to enter the workforce or remain at Penn College to complete the associate degree in polymer technology (one additional year) or the bachelor’s in polymer engineering technology (three additional years).
Penn College will be hosting a Polymer Open House on Oct. 8 at 6 p.m., providing an opportunity to meet with faculty and tour instructional labs. To register, visit pct.edu/polymer-openhouse.
“Essentially, students who earn their certificate receive the equivalent of a full year’s worth of college tuition savings with the flexibility to immediately work in the polymer industry or take advantage of the fast track to a degree,” said Bradley M. Webb, dean of engineering technologies. “Obviously, with a higher degree, there is increased pay and job mobility.”
Graduates of Penn College’s polymer program have an overall job placement rate of 100%.
The high school students will spend their mornings on Penn College’s main campus, taking about eight credits per semester. Besides polymer processing, classes will include general education courses like math and English.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for high school students to jump-start both their college education and future career,” Webb said. “The skills they’ll learn go beyond basic operator roles and are vital for success in industry.”
In addition to the two-year certificate, the $594,574 Practical Polymers for Students and Industry NSF grant (award No. 2400810) is supporting the development of a one-year polymer certificate for working professionals, summer camps for high school students and a polymer teacher externship for educators.
Students who apply for the polymer processing certificate program by Oct. 31 will be given priority. For more information, visit pct.edu/polymer-processing.
For information on the polymer majors and other programs offered by Penn College’s School of Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520 or visit pct.edu/et.
Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. Visit pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.