Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1108006
APRIL 2019 I FLEX007 MAGAZINE 61 What we had to do was figure out coordina- tion steps that allowed these groups to interact smoothly on a regular basis. The program acts as a "Rosetta Stone" of sorts and speaks three different "languages." The key to the success of the program are the project managers, such as Clarence and Mikayla. They need to be able to speak all three languages and ensure that all three stakeholders can communicate with one another about the challenges they have in common. FlexFactor's coordination process is what allows the program to unfold smoothly and achieve the desired outcomes. Matties: What is the greatest challenge? Clarence Chi: Industry participation is one of the most critical aspects of the program. Our ability to directly engage students with advanced technologies and professional men- tors is transformative, and you see their faces light up after they see how advanced technolo- gies are changing the world around us. Johnson: For example, a U-2 spy plane just took off and is flying right above us. Parmeter: That plane is a perfect example because we work with a range of industry part- ners, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and others. FlexFactor is designed to get students interested not just in the technology of flexible electronics but also in the advanced manufac- turing sector in general. Many students don't realize that amazing products—such as the U-2 that just flew over, medical devices that are helping to save our loved ones, or auto- motive technologies—are all products from the advanced manufacturing industry. Chi: To expand on that idea, the program casts a wide net because it works with existing classes—it's not something students self-select into. The program's touchpoints were designed in a way that allows it to work with any sub- ject—English language development, AP biol- ogy, environmental science, mathematics, his- tory, robotics, etc. What all the students have in common is their reaction to seeing modern manufacturing in action. Touring advanced facilities gets them really excited about what's ahead for them in the future and what they can actually do, and they picture themselves work- ing in these environments. Matties: In this environment, there are jobs for every level. You can come right out of high school and be in a job, or you can advance through higher education or specific corporate training. Chi: Yes. Our industry partners offer a wide variety of career opportunities and pathways, ranging from technicians who come in right out of high school to technologists who need a two-year degree and engineers who need bachelor, master, or Ph.D. degrees. In addition to the technical pathways most people think about when they consider advanced manu- facturing, there are also career opportunities in business development, marketing, supply chain management, and other fields that sup- port advanced manufacturing but don't neces- sarily require a STEM-based education. Matties: What excites the students? Chi: The combination of being exposed to this high-performance, high-technology environ- Clarence Chi