From classroom to cleanroom

NSCSD educators visit OCC’s Micron partnership programs

November 7, 2025
 

	A team of North Syracuse Central School District technology teachers, science teachers and guidance counselors recently visited Onondaga Community College (OCC) to tour the new Micron-sponsored Cleanroom and the Electromechanical Technology (ELM) program facilities.
Michael Grieb, an associate professor in the Onondaga Community College Applied Engineering Technology Program, gives NSCSD educators a firsthand look at some of the machines that are part of a cleanroom.

The visit gave educators a firsthand look at the cutting-edge training environments designed to prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing, a rapidly growing sector in Central New York. OCC’s ELM program, developed in partnership with Micron Technology, provides students with practical, hands-on experience in cleanroom operations, precision manufacturing and semiconductor technology.

As a district, North Syracuse is working to incorporate some of the ELM courses into Cicero–North Syracuse High School through OCC’s College Credit Now (CCN) program. This initiative will allow students to get a head start on earning college-level ELM credits at no cost, while completing their high school education.

“This collaboration between OCC and Micron represents a new pathway for our students,” said Jason Clark, Director of Technology for the North Syracuse Central School District. “By connecting our teachers and counselors directly with the programs shaping the future of our local workforce, we’re helping students understand the opportunities waiting for them right here in Central New York. We look forward to expanding our STEAM and workforce readiness programs alongside the construction of Micron’s first fabrication plant just miles from our high school. As Micron builds the facility, we’ll be preparing the future workforce to fill it.”

The district’s visit marks another step in building partnerships that link education to high-demand local industries, giving students valuable exposure to emerging career pathways in technology and engineering.