Seventeen teenagers from Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School in Coal Township spent a day exploring the world of polymer engineering and manufacturing, thanks in part to Pennsylvania College of Technology.
The college provided funding support through a PAsmart grant it received last year for the students to visit Sekisui Kydex in Bloomsburg, a renowned thermoplastics manufacturing company.
“Through our ongoing collaboration with Pennsylvania College of Technology, we are empowering the next generation of innovators and problem solvers,” said Sean Stabler, vice president of innovation for Sekisui Kydex. Stabler received Penn College’s Distinguished Alumni Award last spring. He earned a bachelor’s degree in plastics & polymer engineering technology in 2006 and an associate degree in plastics & polymer technology in 2004.
During the recent company tour, the students learned how Sekisui Kydex makes its thermoplastics. In the appLab, they explored state-of-the-art equipment and innovative testing methods. A visit to the designLab allowed them to experiment with color science. They also were introduced to Sekisui Kydex’s extensive sustainability practices.
Students from Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School in Coal Township recently explored polymer engineering at Sekisui Kydex in Bloomsburg. The students’ visit to the thermoplastics manufacturing company was supported by a PAsmart grant awarded to Pennsylvania College of Technology. The grant’s goal is to show students, educators and parents the realities, demands and opportunities of today’s technologically sophisticated workforce. (Photo provided by Sekisui Kydex.)
“The knowledge and experiences shared during the tour were invaluable,” said JoAnn Picarelli, a faculty member at Our Lady of Lourdes. “The students were introduced to many aspects of the manufacturing process, from extrusion to applying a design to the product. We were particularly impressed with Sekisui Kydex’s efforts in sustainability and keeping plastics out of landfills!”
Last year, Penn College received a $314,440 PAsmart Advancing K-12 Computer Science & STEM Education grant to show educators, students and parents the realities, demands and opportunities of today’s technologically sophisticated workforce.
Sekisui Kydex is a member of Penn College’s Corporate Tomorrow Makers program, Polymer Promise scholarship program and the Visionary Society on the college’s Donor Wall. The company has about 15 Penn College alumni working at its Bloomsburg facility. Visit the company's site to learn more about Sekisui Kydex’s career opportunities.
Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. Email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222 for more information.
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