On Sept. 21, five Shaker High School technology students, accompanied by their teacher Rachel Edic, visited Hudson Valley Community College for an event titled “Tools, Not Tiaras.” The program focused on women in Manufacturing.
The event offered the Shaker High School students the opportunity to engage with accomplished female leaders, who generously shared their narratives of success in what is traditionally a male-dominated industry. Faith Brate, a ninth grader engaged in Manufacturing Processes for Engineering, said, “I was inspired because I got to see different ways of becoming a female engineer.”
The visiting students not only toured the college’s state-of-the art Advanced Manufacturing Program facilities and labs, but also interacted with knowledgeable professors and industry professionals, further broadening their perspectives on manufacturing. Lily Flores, a 12th grade student in Metals Processing, stated, “In addition to being provided breakfast, I really enjoyed seeing all of the different labs and equipment at HVCC.”
Such experiences underscore the rich tapestry of post-secondary opportunities available in the vast and intricate field of manufacturing for our students. Events like these play a pivotal role in shaping their aspirations, ensuring they are informed and inspired as they chart their paths into the world of manufacturing, engineering and technology.
This article was published in the Oct. 6 issue of the North Colonie Central School District’s weekly newsletter and shared with the Campus Chronicle by Matt Howe, associate dean of Academic Advisement and Retention.