Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE), Sinclair, NextFlex, Midwest Microelectronics Consortium (MMEC), and WBI Announce STEM Teaching Aide Internship Program
Dayton, OH – July 9, 2024 – The Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE), Sinclair Community College, NextFlex, Midwest Microelectronics Consortium (MMEC), and Wright Brothers Institute (WBI) are excited to announce the launch of a new internship program designed for undergraduate college students to mentor high school students with an interest in STEM education, digital transformation, and experiential learning.
Wright Brothers Institute (WBI), a leading innovation and technology commercialization center, collaborates with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. Leveraging state-of-the-art facilities, disruptive innovation processes, and a vast network of experts, WBI is dedicated to solving complex challenges for the Air Force.
This summer, Sinclair Community College, in partnership with NextFlex Learning Partners, will offer an intensive version of the FlexFactor program as part of WBI's Summer of Innovation/STEM Education Program. FlexFactor is an immersive project-based learning initiative aimed at high school students, exploring advanced manufacturing, cutting-edge technologies, and entrepreneurship. This summer’s program will include new content in digital transformation, including digital thread concepts, like data analysis and visualization and supply chain. This hands-on experience will allow high school students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, gaining valuable insights into the practical applications of these principles.
The Midwest Microelectronics Consortium (MMEC) plays a pivotal role in advancing microelectronics innovation and technology transition in the Midwest, especially through the Department of Defense (DoD) sponsored Microelectronics Commons Program.
Running from June 10 to July 26, 2024, the program will operate from WBI's 444 E. Second Street location, with visits to companies and universities throughout the southwestern Ohio region. The 18 participating high school students come from the Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati areas.
Undergraduate college students will serve as teaching aides, assisting in the execution of teaching plans, mentorship of high school participants, and actively engage in developing FlexFactor projects. Through this collaborative learning experience, all participants gain a valuable set of technical, communication, problem-solving, leadership, project management, and adaptability skills that will contribute to their professional growth and future career opportunities.
Participating high school students will learn:
Deepening Understanding of Microelectronics and Digital Transformation Principles: Interns will enhance their knowledge of electronics, rapid prototyping and data acquisition and visualization.
Participating in FlexFactor Project Development: Interns will engage in the development of their own projects, applying their skills to create innovative solutions.
Personal Development and Growth: Programming includes financial literacy, self-awareness, and communication and public speaking skills.
High school participants and collegiate mentors were sourced from the Southwest Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE). The organization connects students, educators, government, businesses, employers, and other organizations to share information, access professional development opportunities, and close workforce gaps through increasing internships and research projects.
The curriculum, developed by Sinclair College and other collaborators, will provide participants with the opportunity to solve real-world problems and develop prototypes based on challenges from the NextFlex Hybrid Electronics Innovation Institute.
This internship program offers a comprehensive learning experience, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. It is an exceptional opportunity for students to contribute to the educational process while developing their own skills in STEM fields.
About Wright Brothers Institute: Wright Brothers Institute (WBI) is an advanced innovation and technology commercialization center that collaborates with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to tackle complex challenges through resident experts, state-of-the-art facilities, and disruptive innovation processes.
About Sinclair Community College: Sinclair Community College offers a range of educational programs and has partnered with NextFlex Learning Partners to provide the FlexFactor program, which immerses students in project-based learning focused on advanced manufacturing and entrepreneurship.
About NextFlex: NextFlex is a consortium advancing flexible hybrid electronics (FHE) manufacturing, with educational initiatives designed to inspire and develop future technology leaders.
About Midwest Microelectronics Consortium (MMEC): MMEC promotes the growth of microelectronics innovation and technology by advancing the capability of the microelectronic ecosystem, serving both the DoD and commercial markets.
For more information, contact:
Eric Hill
Technology Commercialization Manager
eric.hill@wbi-innovates.com
937.424.8667