The new STEM Center at Nashua Community College named in honor of BAE Systems. Courtesy photo

NASHUA – The leadership team at Nashua Community College was joined on Sept. 13 by business, industry, state officials and community partners to celebrate the naming of the updated STEM wing in honor of BAE Systems.

NCC President Lucille Jordan spoke to the relationship between NCC and BAE Systems, Inc., noting the company played a pivotal role in securing state funding for the STEM Center.

“The naming of the STEM Center is not only rooted in a long-standing partnership between BAE System, Inc. and our institution, but also acknowledges their exceptional contributions to the Greater Nashua community,” she said.

Jordan also spoke to the company’s philanthropic outreach to area nonprofit organizations and local high schools.

“Their commitment to community development and education has left an indelible mark, enriching the lives of countless individuals,” she said.

The company has also continued their collaboration with NCC in training test technicians under the recently-awarded CHIPS Grant, said Jordan.

“We at BAE Systems are grateful to Nashua Community College for their collaboration in advancing the Microelectronics Boot Camp, along with the Quality Apprenticeship Program, the Soldering Program, and piloting the Test Tech Boot Camp,” said Jason Krug, operations site lead at BAE Systems. “The Microelectronics Boot Camp in particular has been incredibly successful in preparing students to succeed in the growing field of advanced manufacturing. The expertise, enthusiasm and fresh perspective of the NCC graduates have made a significant positive impact on our work in delivering products to protect the men and women who protect us.”

“The collaboration between BAE Systems, Inc. and NCC is groundbreaking,” said NCC’s Workforce Development Director Jon Mason. “The faith BAE put in us and our abilities has been a significant force in securing the future of the microelectronics industry in our region.”

Mason also introduced Microelectronics Boot Camp alumni, Taylor Blais and Kevin Moore, who now work at BAE Systems. The company was a founding partner for the Microelectronics Boot Camp in 2016, which has gone on to train hundreds of students of all ages and backgrounds, and has a 95 percent hiring rate for graduates.

Blais credited the boot camp for helping her pivot from the service industry to her current role of microwave technician II.

“I had been in the same industry all my life and I wanted to challenge myself,” she said. “I felt I had more to offer.”

Blais is now looking to return to school and further her education. She also works as a laboratory assistant for the Microelectronics Boot Camp, which is now in its 34th class.

Moore is currently a test technician III, and said he was inspired to take the class because of his experience in the military. He credited the microelectronics technology for helping keep him and his fellow soldiers safe.

“The skills I learned in the Microelectronics Boot Camp have given me purpose,” said Moore.

U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan thanked BAE Systems for its commitment to preparing the next generation of New Hampshire creators.

“New Hampshire has a long history of driving innovation and using cutting-edge technology to solve problems,” she said. “By investing in STEM education, we carry on this tradition.”

“BAE Systems’ philanthropy and advocacy has helped fuel NCC’s mission to provide students with quality, academically rigorous education and prepare them for a fulfilling career and life,” said U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.

Following the ribbon-cutting in front of the new BAE Systems STEM Center, college faculty and administrators led a tour of the updated space, which includes the second and third floors of Streeter Hall. The area has undergone a complete renovation of 21,000 square feet updating 14 labs, classrooms and conference rooms. The renovation also includes part of the original college facility from 1970.

The BAE Systems STEM Center houses programs like Electronic Engineering Technology, Computer Networking, Computer Science, Physics classes and the BAE Systems workforce training programs such as the Microelectronics Boot Camp.

The renovation also features a student collaboration space, study lounges, the Business Department faculty suite and includes significant lab and technology upgrades.