KEENE, N.H. – (MyKeeneNow) Keene State College has joined forces with the American Center for Optics Manufacturing (AmeriCOM) to address a critical need for skilled technicians in the precision manufacturing sector. This partnership aims to bolster workforce training and expand opportunities for students, faculty, and local employers.

The college offers courses in manufacturing engineering technologies and optics applications. It is the first four-year institution to partner with AmeriCOM, a workforce training initiative and defense precision optics consortium.

The partnership comes as Keene State receives a $3 million grant, secured by U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, for training and education in precision manufacturing and optics. The funds will enhance classroom facilities, develop new programs, and acquire specialized equipment. Additionally, a $100,000 gift from the Kingsbury Foundation will help establish the Kingsbury Center for Diamond Turning Excellence, featuring state-of-the-art diamond-turning and metrology equipment.

This collaboration addresses a nationwide shortage of optics technicians, which prompted the U.S. Department of Defense to enlist AmeriCOM in an effort to expand the manufacturing base. Keene State’s proximity to more than a dozen local businesses specializing in advanced optics makes it a strategic partner.

Moore Nanotechnology Systems, headquartered in Swanzey,  has worked closely with the college for several years to build workforce. For 25 years, Nanotech has been a world leader in designing, developing, and manufacturing state-of-the-art ultra-precision machine tools and associated processes.

Optics technicians are essential for creating ultraprecision lenses used in technologies like televisions, robotics, satellites, and medical equipment. This partnership aims to increase the number of trained technicians from fewer than 50 to 800 annually.

Keene State’s innovative degree in Sustainable Product Design and Innovation, which integrates industrial design and manufacturing engineering technologies, will also benefit from the partnership. The college aims to offer more industry-focused training and certificates to meet evolving technology demands.

Together, Keene State and AmeriCOM plan to develop and expand curricula, support dual enrollment for high school students, and create upskilling programs for regional employers and employees.