MCC to Debut NEW STEM Learn & Earn Program in Spring 2024

At Middlesex Community College, students are provided early access to work experiences directly related to their field of interest. Middlesex will continue to expand its structured career opportunities by debuting the Computer Aided Design (CAD) Learn and Earn Experience in the Spring 2024 semester.

“We identified that there was a gap between academics and industry and we took this as an opportunity to redesign the program and adapt it to what the industry needs,” said Cristopher Algarra, MCC’s Chair of Engineering. “We worked with industry and educational partners, got new equipment, revised course learning outcomes and descriptions, and updated software to build the program to meet high standards. I’m excited about the new CAD program and what it can bring to our students.”

In the updated program, students will learn skills in the classroom that they can relate to the workforce in order to make a smooth transition. These include communication and interpersonal skills, trouble shooting and maintenance, and 3-D modeling. The goal is to promote relevant, hands-on experience to help students more easily understand their career path and prospects within the field.

Along with the updated curriculum, the program is working with the Office of Career Integrated Learning (OCIL) to include an internship opportunity. In MCC’s CAD Learn and Earn program, students will earn $21-$26 an hour for paid work experience at their internship. They will also receive standard benefits, such as health, vision and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, and more.

Available year-round, OCIL works with all Middlesex students build a foundation of career tools, develop in-demand skills, gain relevant experience, and apply knowledge to jobs.

Following the success of the Biotechnology Learn and Earn Experience, MCC developed more specialized paid internship experiences for students in Information Technology (IT) and Criminal and Social Justice. The CAD Learn and Earn Experience will debut in January 2024 after a pilot program in the summer and fall of 2023.

OCIL supports Learn and Earn students throughout their academic and professional journey. This includes helping them prepare their resumes and cover letters, sit through mock interviews, and providing networking and professional development workshops throughout the experience.

“The Learn and Earn Experience is the flagship program of OCIL and intended to help students launch successful careers while meeting the demand for skilled new talent at partner companies,” said Winny Oyamo-Twombly, MCC’s Senior Director of OCIL. “These unique internship opportunities provide MCC students with knowledge and skills that apply directly to roles in their related field. We are excited to expand Learn and Earn to the CAD program and through this increase on-the-job-training opportunities in STEM.”