RRPC, MCC optics camp will introduce area high school students to tech jobs

June 20, 2013 | Rochester, N.Y.

The Rochester Regional Photonics Cluster (RRPC) and Monroe Community College (MCC) will host their fourth annual Summer Optics Sizzler next week. The five-day camp allows high school students to explore education and career opportunities in optics and encourages the growth of a skilled workforce to fill the industry’s in-demand jobs.

The camp will introduce students to MCC’s Optical Systems Technology programs, which have seen increased enrollment since the camp's inception in 2010. Through the support of companies such as Corning and Sydor Optics, scholarships are also available. For many young people, these technical programs can provide a quick and affordable alternative to a four-year college, and the Sizzler is a way for students to explore if these options are right for them.

This year students from East High School, Gates Chili and Greece Olympia will participate in the program. Led by volunteers from the local optics community, they will complete hands-on activities and explore high-demand job paths directly with those working in the field.

As an event sponsor, PLS will be providing marketing support for the camp. Fellow sponsors include Rochester Top 100 companies such as Sydor Optics, Optimax, OptiPro and Rochester Precision Optics. For more information on Rochester's 50+ optics and imaging comanies, visit the RRCP website.

RRPC & MCC Summer Optics Sizzler

When: June 24-28, 2013

Where: Monroe Community College

Activities: building an economical LCD projector, building a spectrometer to study light, creating 3D holograms