SPIE AWARDS OUTREACH GRANT TO THREE RIVERS

Three Rivers Community College has been awarded a grant from SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, to support "Laser Camp 2009." More than 70 students from six eastern CT high schools attended the previous two Laser Camps held at Three Rivers. Each camp was a three-day event designed to introduce career opportunities in optics and photonics through hands-on activities including pinhole photography, laser engraving and holography. Camp participants and their teachers also traveled to Trumpf, Inc., a manufacturer of large industrial lasers located in Farmington, CT for a tour of the laser facility. The Three Rivers student chapter of SPIE served as mentors to the high school students.

This year's laser camp is planned to include a trip to the Boston University Photonics Research Center and the MIT Museum as well as the on-campus activities. Laser Camp is also supported by the Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing and EASTCONN.

SPIE is an international society advancing an interdisciplinary approach to the science and application of light. The grant was awarded to TRCC Laser and Fiber Optic Technology Program Coordinator Judy Donnelly at a scholarship and grant award ceremony at the annual meeting, held in San Diego, CA on August 12.

8-21-08