LILLINGTON, N.C. - The Central Carolina Community College Laser & Photonics Technology program recently hosted an in-person advisory committee meeting at the CCCC Harnett Main Campus. In addition to attending the meeting, advisors spend time networking with students -- teaching, presenting, and interviewing.

Advisory members are representative of the laser program key stakeholders and include industry partners, program graduates, university partners, and CCCC employees. Representatives from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Wasatch Photonics, MACOM Technology Solutions, The University of Central Florida, North Carolina State University, and many more, are not only active advisory members, but also hire and provide opportunities for further education to CCCC laser and photonics program graduates.

The focus of advisory meetings is to glean feedback from stakeholders to ensure the CCCC laser program attracts students and continues to teach students the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to find a lucrative career in the field. The main focus of this year's advisory meeting was recruiting. Advisory members participated in a brainstorming session and shared their thoughts on best practices for growing the program.

"We cannot begin to thank the members for their hard work, excitement, devotion, and willingness to give so much of their valuable time and resources to help our graduates achieve their career goals," said Beasley. "Prior to the start of spring 2023 recruiting activities, we plan to enhance our efforts based on the feedback."

Dr. Kristi Short, CCCC Vice President/Chief Academic Officer, said the advisory committee is "a dedicated, engaged group ... so eager to support the program's growth."

For more information on CCCC's Laser & Photonics program, please contact Lead Instructor Gary Beasley at gbeas207@cccc.edu or call 910-814-8828.