Central Community College Plastics Bootcamp

Central Community College, a partner of the National Science Foundation funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, is hosting its summer plastics boot camp in June. This provides an exciting and educational opportunity in plastics manufacturing and technology. This year, the bootcamp has attracted a diverse group of 9 enthusiastic students in the 2025 cohort.

The bootcamp is designed to immerse students in the fundamentals of plastics science, including the properties and applications of various plastic materials. Over the course of several weeks, participants engage in hands-on training that covers essential topics such as polymer chemistry, processing techniques, and the latest advancements in plastic technology. The curriculum is structured to combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring that students learn about the principles of plastics and gain valuable experience in operating industry-standard equipment.

The 2025 cohort comprises students from various backgrounds, bringing unique perspectives and aspirations to the program. Throughout the bootcamp, they are encouraged to collaborate on projects, fostering a sense of community and teamwork. The intimate class size allows for personalized instruction and mentorship from experienced faculty members, who are dedicated to guiding students through the complexities of the plastics industry. Here, students are doing the "sink or swim" activity. The object is to predict which plastic items will float or sink. It is fun to watch their surprise as a small piece of a water bottle sinks like a stone, and a "heavy" chunk of UHMWPE floats! This led to many questions and renewed interest. Simple labs like this make students aware of how weird and varied plastics can be, and help with discussing topics such as density.

As the summer progresses, the students in the 2025 cohort of Central Community College's plastics bootcamp are gaining knowledge and skills and paving the way for their future careers in a vital sector of the economy. The program's emphasis on practical experience and its commitment to fostering industry relationships position these students for success as they embark on their professional journeys in plastics manufacturing!