Will Morris was drawn to Southern Maine Community College after high school because of our Composite Science & Manufacturing program. He’s always liked to work with his hands, and he knew the program was right for him when he was researching colleges during his senior year of high school.

Will is now getting the hands-on education he was expecting — and more. Last month, just six weeks into his first college semester, he helped give a demonstration of a composite materials manufacturing process during a training session for a small group of Bath Iron Works employees.

The training session provided him an opportunity to not only demonstrate the skills he’s learned, but also to meet and network with people who are in an industry that utilizes composite materials.

“It was really cool to be able to meet people in the industry and show them this is a way to do things,” he says.

At SMCC, students experience their education with hands-on learning with faculty who have relationships and partnerships with business and community leaders. The Composite Science program provides education and real-world experience in a state-of-the-art lab that prepares students with the skills that are essential for careers in advanced manufacturing industries.

Will Morris is like many of our students. While researching which college would be right for him, he and his high school advisor came across the Composite Science program on our website. “She said, ‘This is you. You need to go do that,’” Will recalls.

He then came to last fall’s Open House at our Midcoast Campus, located at Brunswick Landing, to get a first-hand look at what we have to offer. He was impressed by the Composite Science lab, our L.L.Bean Learning Commons and the spacious suites in Orion Residence Hall, where he now lives.

We are holding our 2016 Fall Open House this coming Thursday, November 10, from 4-6 p.m. That’s when prospective students and parents can tour campus, learn about our academic programs, and meet faculty and staff. For more information and to register, please visit our website at https://www.smccme.edu/admissions-aid/openhouse/.

SMCC prepares students to enter the workplace or to continue their education at a baccalaureate institution.

In Will Morris’ case, he plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at a four-year school after completing his degree at SMCC. He eventually hopes to make a career doing what he’s always loved: working with his hands, figuring out how things work.

“I would love to design things in the carbon fiber composite industry,” he says. “Getting picked up in the aerospace industry would be awesome.”

For now, between his academic program, his residence hall living situation and SMCC’s affordability, he’s confident he’s where he’s supposed to be.

“I couldn’t ask for better.”

Ron Cantor is the president of Southern Maine Community College.