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Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) held its third annual Advanced Technology Summit on Thursday, February 29th, at the Castine Center, drawing a crowd of approximately 750 high school students from the greater Northshore region. The summit aimed to introduce students to career pathways in sectors such as Logistics and Transportation, Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Healthcare, and Information Technology.

Dr. Jim Carlson, Chancellor of NTCC, highlighted the summit’s purpose: “The 2024 Advanced Technology Summit served as a platform for local high school students to explore programs available at NTCC that prepare individuals for careers that require knowledge in innovation and new technologies. Our goal is to expose students to both the emerging fields of advanced technology as well as the local career opportunities available on the Northshore.”

The event featured interactions between students and leaders in advanced technology, providing insights into potential career paths. NTCC faculty and students also demonstrated how the college’s programs are equipping the future workforce.

Carlson emphasized the college’s role in community development: “At the heart of our college’s mission is being able to provide affordable, accessible educational options to the Northshore community that also enhance the communities we serve. The ability to expose high school students to the multitude of career opportunities available locally that require knowledge in advanced technologies is paramount to them being prepared to make our communities more vibrant in the future.”

Students from Fontainebleau High School, Northshore High School, and St. Helena College and Career Academy showcased their Advanced Technology projects. The summit also offered experiences with NTCC’s Mobile Mechatronics Lab, electric vehicles from Banner Ford, and eSports in collaboration with the Northshore Regional STEM Coalition.

Trent Threeton, a CIW and Cyber Society Teacher at Ponchatoula High School, praised the event: “The presentations at the summit were not only informative but also engaging, providing our students with a glimpse into the latest advancements in technology. Moreover, the chance to network with professionals in the field allowed them to gain firsthand insights and inspiration. I want to particularly commend the programs offered by Northshore Technical Community College, which sparked significant interest among our students. They are eager to explore further opportunities within these programs and beyond.”

The summit, presented by DXC Technology, saw participation from a variety of business and industry partners, including Trane, Banner Ford, Industrial Training Solutions, and several others, reflecting a strong community and industry support for advancing technology education on the Northshore.