The National Science Foundation has awarded two separate grants to Springfield Technical Community College to enhance education in cutting-edge internet technology and advanced photonics.

The college received $599,388 to develop “The Internet of Things Education Project” and $551,202 to develop “Problem-Based Learning in Advanced Photonics Manufacturing Education.”

Both grants are designed to support three-year projects that will prepare and inspire students to enter careers in growing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

STCC has degree and certificate programs that prepare students for these careers.

The second project — supported by a grant for $551,202 — aims to increase the STEM pipeline of high school and community college students prepared and motivated to pursue careers in photonics technology. Students will use problem-based learning methods focused on advanced photonics manufacturing. Photonics is the science of generating, detecting, and manipulating particles of light. Applications include lasers, optics, fiber-optics, and electro-optical devices.

The grant supports curriculum development and the training of high school and college-level STEM teachers in the Northeast.