December 2023

Innovation Meets Education: Sussex County Community College (SCCC) Unveils Optics and Technology Center Expansion


[Newton, NJ, 11/28/23] – In a significant stride toward preparing the next generation of optical manufacturing leaders, SCCC proudly announces the inauguration of its Optics and Technology Center expansion. The addition to building R of the SCCC campus is poised to redefine the landscape of optics education in New Jersey, providing students with space for unparalleled opportunities to gain knowledge and skills essential for thriving in the optical manufacturing industry.

 

The expansion enables SCCC’s Optics Technology program to integrate its hands-on manufacturing curriculum and allow for collaborative spaces to create a dynamic learning environment that mirrors the demands of the rapidly evolving field of optical manufacturing.


What sets SCCC apart is its accessible approach to education in optics by offering a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or one of the three one-year certificate programs, graduates will gain expertise in optical manufacturing but also develop a well-rounded skill set that includes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving.

 

APOMA is excited to see that the evolving needs of next-generation manufacturing technologies are being realized for in-bound candidates. This building provides industry-focused education and hands-on training for modern-day manufacturing workers with the New Jersey community. This is precisely the groundwork our industry needs with support from AmeriCOM and their “The Future is Optics” initiative. The contributions of ThorLabs and the New Jersey optics and photonics network have made a tremendous impact in helping SCCC thrive and equip students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise they need to start rewarding manufacturing careers. A special thanks to Navid Entezarian (pictured below) at ThorLabs for his hard work and dedication to making this program thrive.

Save the date!

Photonics West 2024 in San Francisco, CA


APOMA Annual Meeting

Wednesday - January 31, 2024

8:30-9:30AM

Location: TBD

Thank you for attending Optifab 2023 and the APOMA General Meeting in Rochester!


Thank you to all of our members that were able to attend the SPIE Optifab Conference in Rochester, NY in October. APOMA partners with SPIE to offer this conference focused on optics manufacturing every other year, and 2023 was sold out in exhibit space and extremely well attended. Thursday's Student Day brought 400+ high school and college students into the exhibit hall, many of them on a scavenger hunt organized by AmeriCOM that included stops and tasks at vendor booths meant to expose them to the opportunities available in our industry.


The APOMA General Meeting was attended by 60+ members and featured an overview of APOMA's activities and several invited speakers:

If you were unable to attend the Rochester meeting and missed the APOMA update, the PDF of Lee Steneken's PowerPoint presentation is available online via APOMA's website at the link below:

APOMA General Meeting at Optifab


We look forward to seeing many of you at Photonics West 2024!

Reminder!

APOMA Board Election currently underway


Reminders went out today from ElectionBuddy to those members that have not yet cast their ballot for the three At-Large APOMA Board seats available in this year's election. If you have not yet done so - please vote today!


Election Candidate Profiles