Nashua Community College names new STEM Center for BAE Systems, Inc.

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NASHUA, NH – The Nashua Community College leadership team, business, industry, state officials, and
community partners celebrated the naming of the updated STEM wing in honor of BAE Systems, Inc. on
Friday, Sept. 13.

President Lucille Jordan welcomed attendees, and spoke to the relationship between NCC and BAE
Systems, Inc., noting the company played a pivotal role in securing state funding for the STEM Center.

“The naming of the STEM Center is not only rooted in a long-standing partnership between BAE System,
Inc. and our institution, but also acknowledges their exceptional contributions to the Greater Nashua
community,” Jordan said.

President Jordan spoke to the company’s philanthropic outreach to area nonprofit organizations and
local high schools, saying, “Their commitment to community development and education has left an indelible mark, enriching the lives of countless individuals.”

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The company has also continued its collaboration with NCC in training test technicians under the
recently-awarded CHIPS grant, she said.

“We at BAE Systems are grateful to Nashua Community College for their collaboration in advancing the
Microelectronics Boot Camp, along with the Quality Apprenticeship Program, the Soldering Program,
and piloting the Test Tech Boot Camp,” said Jason Krug, Operations Site Lead at BAE Systems. “The
Microelectronics Boot Camp in particular has been incredibly successful in preparing students to
succeed in the growing field of advanced manufacturing. The expertise, enthusiasm and fresh
perspective of the NCC graduates have made a significant positive impact on our work in delivering
products to protect the men and women who protect us.”

NCC’s Workforce Development Director Jon Mason said, “The collaboration between BAE Systems, Inc.
and NCC is groundbreaking, and the faith BAE put in us and our abilities has been a significant force in
securing the future of the microelectronics industry in our region.”

Mason introduced two Microelectronics Boot Camp alumni, Taylor Blais and Kevin Moore, who both
now work at BAE Systems, Inc. BAE Systems, Inc. was a founding partner for the Microelectronics Boot
Camp in 2016, which has gone on to train hundreds of students of all ages and backgrounds, and has a
95 percent hiring rate for graduates.

Blais credited the boot camp for helping her pivot from the service industry to her current role of
Microwave Technician II. “I had been in the same industry all my life, and I wanted to challenge myself. I
felt I had more to offer.” Blais is now looking to return to school and further her education. She also
works as a lab assistant for the Microelectronics Boot Camp, which is now in its 34 class. “I couldn’t be
more grateful to come full circle.”

Moore is currently a Test Technician III, and said he was inspired to take the class because of his
experience in the military. He credited the microelectronics technology for helping keep him and his
fellow soldiers safe. “The skills I learned in the Microelectronics Boot Camp have given me purpose.”

After the ribbon cutting in front of the new BAE Systems, Inc. STEM Center entrance, college faculty and
administrators led a tour of the updated space, which includes the second and third floors of Streeter
Hall. The area has undergone a complete renovation of 21,000 sq. ft. of space, updating a total of 14
labs, classrooms, and conference rooms. The renovation includes part of the original college facility from
1970.

The BAE Systems, Inc. STEM Center houses programs like Electronic Engineering Technology, Computer
Networking, Computer Science, Physics classes, and the BAE Systems, Inc. workforce training programs
such as the Microelectronics Boot Camp.

The renovation also features a student collaboration space, study lounges, the Business Department
faculty suite, and includes significant lab and technology upgrades.

About Nashua Community College

Since 1970, Nashua Community College has been successfully meeting the educational needs of Greater
Nashua by delivering a high quality two-year, post-secondary education. The college partners closely
with area industries that provide students with a unique perspective in their fields of study, allowing for
a real-world experience to further their academic journey. Students can choose from a variety of
associate degree, certificate, and career training programs. Nashua Community College is a member of
the Community College System of New Hampshire. The seven community colleges in the system are
committed to working with businesses throughout the state to train and retain employees to develop a
robust workforce across all sectors. Learn more at nashuacc.edu.

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