Optics Technology

Connection to High School (Dual Enrollment) 

Sussex County Community College (SCCC) developed an Optics Technology dual enrollment program. Students who successfully complete the dual enrollment program earn 3 college credits toward the SCCC course OPTC 101: Fundamentals of Optics.   

The dual enrollment program was delivered at Newton High School, Hopatcong High School, and Sussex County Technical School during the 2021 – 2022 academic year. Each of these programs was conducted using a different instruction methodology: 

• Newton High School adopted a co-teaching model with a high school instructor and SCCC’s Optics Technology Instructor. 

• Hopatcong High School had SCCC’s Optics Technology instructor teach the course directly. 

• Sussex County Technical School taught the course independently with support from SCCC’s Optics Technology Instructor. 

Instructional materials include syllabus, course outline, multiple instructional slide decks, lab activities for students, and other teaching materials. 

Develop Apprenticeship 

Sussex County Community College (SCCC) partnered with Thorlabs to develop a USDOL registered apprenticeship program in Optics Technician modeled after an existing apprenticeship developed and delivered by Monroe County Community College (New York).  

Thorlabs has submitted application to USDOL and awaits approval notification. Upon approval, SCCC will begin enrollment for the Optics Apprenticeship.  

SCCC determined the following courses comprise the related technical instruction (RTI) of this apprenticeship: 

SCCC is currently supporting an apprenticeship program between Monroe and EscoOptics through hands-on labs. 

Adult Learners 

Sussex County Community College (SCCC) developed model recruitment events, tours, programs, and an engagement plan to increase enrollment of adult learners (specifically unemployed and underemployed) into the optics technology industry. These include open houses, tours of the SCCC campus and Thorlabs facilities, as well as other outreach events to connect prospective adult learners to this high-skill and in-demand career pathway. 

SCCC has also partnered with Project Self-Sufficiency’s New Jersey Youth Corps which is a program for 16 to 25-year-old students looking to earn their high school equivalency (HSE). Similar to an Integrated Education Training Program, 27 adult learners were enrolled in a unique session of Fundamentals of Optics I while simultaneously completing their HSE. Successful completers earned 3 college credits. This cohort of adult learners received instruction from November 2022 – February 2023. 

In addition, 3 of the adult learners expressed significant interest in applying to Thorlabs’ internship program in Summer 2023 (after their graduation from the Project Self Sufficiency program.) 

Professional Development 

Sussex County Community College (SCCC) has provided professional development to local high school instructors to prepare them for teaching OPTC101: Fundamentals of Optics I as part of the optics technology dual enrollment program. Those high schools included: (1) Hopatcong High School, (2) Newton High School, and (3) Sussex County Technical School.   

SCCC in collaboration with the American Center for Optics technology (AmeriCOM) is running a three-day workshop in July 2023 for all faculty interested in learning more about optics. Areas of professional development will include: (1) Optical components and mounting, (2) Measurement techniques and standards, (3) Basic optical manufacturing, (4) Introductory metrology, and (5) Suggested laboratory exercises.  

Expand Industry Partnerships 

Sussex County Community College (SCCC) hosted a myriad of outreach events including open houses, tours of the campus, and information sessions.  These events have provided SCCC the opportunity to present to prospective students and community members an industry overview of, and career opportunities in, Optics Technology.  

In December 2022, the Optics Technology Program was visited by 12 members of the Technical and Vocational Education Division of New Taipei City who are very interesting in forming an educational partnership with SCCC.  

Additionally, SCCC have been visited by many new industry partners including Satisloh, Taylor-Hobson, Zygo, and Optikos. Each of these companies have been added to the SCCC Optics Technology Advisory Board and provide invaluable insight towards the development of curriculum, topics of focus, and future outreach possibilities. 

SCCC has also partnered with the American Center for Optics Manufacturing (AmeriCOM) for the development of optics outreach materials. These efforts are currently ongoing.