Partnership gives young learners hands on experience with leading-edge technology
As part of its continuing investment in education in central Pennsylvania, the Shippensburg campus of Niche Electronics recently took part in a week-long science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) camp. The program took place July 20–23, and was hosted by the Franklin County Career and Technology Center’s (FCCTC) electronics program.
The camp introduces students entering 4th and 5th grade to electronics through programming, circuit design, and introductory soldering, with the goal of sparking early interest in the field. The week concluded with a tour of Niche’s facility, connecting the students’ hands-on exercises and camp curriculum to real-world PCBA manufacturing and assembly processes.
Prior to touring the shop floor, students rotated through simulated production activities, including sorting various electronic components, installing through-hole components on a mini slide-line following a work instruction, and performing a manual version of AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) to identify defects.
Now in its second year, the STEM Camp was originally developed and hosted in the summer of 2025 by instructor Steven Wilmot and a group of his students. Due to the resounding success of the camp in its first year, a group of FCCTC students, one of whom is a Niche co-op student, presented the concept as their SkillsUSA project in the spring of 2026. The project earned the group 1st place at the SkillsUSA State competition in April, which advanced them to SkillsUSA Nationals in June, where they earned 1st place again.
“Niche’s facilities and equipment are a great example of modern manufacturing, and to have it in our backyard presents unique opportunities to generate genuine, hands-on interest in students who are just beginning to consider their fields of later study,” says Wilmont, who also led this year’s camp.
Niche is proud to partner with FCCTC and its electronics program to support students of all ages within the community. This partnership reflects Niche’s ongoing commitment to STEM education, career pathway development, and our local community.
For more information about educational collaboration with Niche Electronics, contact Jennifer Coccagna, Strategic Project Manager, at jenniferc@niche-electronics.com.
