Spring 2006 Semester
 

General Info for NVCC Fuel Cell Technology Certificate Program

What is this program?

This is a FREE PROGRAM for those who qualify and MORE! It is funded by FuelCell Energy, Inc. (FCE) of Danbury/Torrington Connecticut and Naugatuck Valley Community College. Tuition cost, student and laboratory fees and books are provided! A modest $$ stipend will also be provided to graduates of the program! Graduates earn a Fuel Cell Technology Certificate.

This program is a one semester full-time day program consisting of 5 courses, 3 with laboratory components. Graduates will qualify to be interviewed with FCE’s manufacturing facility in Torrington - OR you may choose to continue at college. The choice is yours – even if FCE offers you a position you don’t have to go to work with them! FuelCell Energy nor Naugatuck Valley makes any guarantees of employment but you don’t make any promise to accept employment either!

Classes run Mon – Thurs for most of each day, January 19 thru May 22, ‘06. Daily attendance is required and all courses must be taken together concurrently as a team. We are recruiting motivated students. Although many previous graduates have had various experience levels, applicants need no manufacturing or college experience, just a desire to study hard and commit themselves to this challenging once in a lifetime opportunity! Women and minorities are encouraged to apply to our Fuel Cell student team! During the semester, Team members help Team members!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New college students: (you’ve never been to any college):

You need to formally apply to Naugatuck Valley Community College. Apply online or at the admissions office. Fill out the NVCC application for admission and under "Certificates" on the application, check off Fuel Cell Certificate (HC19). Submit your application and make an appointment to take a placement test for Math level placement. Don’t hesitate. Spaces are filling fast! (Suggestion! Review your basic math and algebra before taking placement test!)

1.      Current or Previous NVCC or Connecticut Community College students (any campus): you must have completed MAT 95 ("Elementary Algebra" or equivalent) or higher math level with a "C" or better. Your transcript is in our banner system and admissions will determine if you have sufficient math level. You must qualify to take MAT 137 (Intermediate Algebra)

2.      Previous college but never to a Community College in Connecticut? You need to make formal application to the NVCC admissions department and send official copies of transcripts from all previously attended colleges. You must have taken MAT 95 (or equivalent) or higher-level math in your previous college(s) and have earned a "C" or better. Hurry with your transcripts because evaluation of them is critical and there is not much time! Send to: Admissions, Naugatuck Valley Community College, 750 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT 06708

People who are out of work and receiving unemployment compensation may be able to continue to receive compensation while enrolled in this day program. This program (in previous offerings) has been an "approved retraining program." Prospective students in this situation need to get formal approval with their Department of Labor (DOL) contact. It is up to each student to get formal approval through DOL on his or her own. NVCC does not make any guarantees and is not responsible for any lost wages or arrangements.

All interested students need to meet the MAT 95 (or equivalent) minimum requirement in order to qualify for MAT 137 (Intermediate Algebra) and proceed to the next step in the selection process. If you have the math requirement or feel that you do, please send an email to: fuelcells@nvcc.commnet.edu , Professor Caisse. In your email, list: your full name and NVCC student ID #, address, phone number, high school and year graduated or GED. Follow this list with a short paragraph stating why you want to be selected for this free program. Professor Caisse of NVCC’s Engineering Technology Division will contact you to set a time and date for your personal interview.

This is a golden educational opportunity for students who qualify and are accepted!! This program can change a person’s path in life, forever!!

The Fuel Cell Technology Certificate program does NOT guarantee any employment with the funding company, FuelCell Energy, Inc., or any other company or entity. Neither Naugatuck Valley Community College nor FuelCell Energy, Inc. makes any promise regarding direct employment or future employment.

One thing’s for sure: This program offers exceptional educational opportunity for motivated, and sincere students. And it’s free! Participating students earn free college credits (17) that may apply toward an associate degree at NVCC and/or BS at other colleges. (Just how many transfer credits that apply to your future degree depends on what you will "major" in and the receiving college’s program criteria.)

On a realistic note: this program is technically rigorous. It’s not for everyone. Each day (Monday-Thursday) you’ll be attending classes and labs and then there is the nightly homework and studying for tests, quizzes and preparing Lab reports. It should only be considered by serious, committed college students who wish to take on this challenging program.

This Fuel Cell Certificate Program is a full time, day program and requires participants to be on campus Monday through Thursday for most hours of these days. Attendance is mandatory and is logged due to agreements with FuelCell Energy, Inc, (the funding company) and the NVCC "team" concept.

Electronic Engineering Technology:
Arthur Caisse, Professor, Coordinator Fuel Cell Technology
(203) 596-8677
acaisse@nvcc.commnet.edu