LILLINGTON - Middle school students will get up-close and personal with lasers at Central Carolina Community College's "High Tech - High Touch" laser workshop.

The workshop, sponsored by the college's Laser and Photonics Technology Program, introduces middle school students to laser and fiber optics technology in a format that is fun and informative. Participants and their parent or adult mentors will do "hands-on" technology activities. Current laser and photonics students, alumni, faculty, and industrial representatives will provide the instruction.

The workshop takes place 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, in the Etheridge Building at the college's Harnett County Campus, 1075 E. Cornelius Harnett Blvd., Lillington. All participants must register as student/adult pairs. Space is limited to 16 pairs and the registration fee is $10 per pair.

The workshop fills up quickly, so register early to reserve a seat. To register or for more information, contact Gary Beasley, laser-photonics lead instructor, at the Harnett Campus, (910) 814-8828 or email: gbeasley@cccc.edu.

The Laser and Photonics Technology Program is also hosting two open houses for teens and adults interested in learning more about a career in this interesting, well-paid field. The open houses take place at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, in the Etheridge Building on the Harnett County Campus. Contact Beasley for more information.