FAIRFIELD — Two local tech manufacturers have established a dedicated scholarship program for students pursuing degrees in engineering and technology-related fields at Sacred Heart University.
Microboard, a Seymour-based electronics manufacturing service provider delivering circuit card assembly, system integration, and test services, and PTA Plastics, an Oxford-based company specializing in custom plastic injection molding and contract manufacturing, have partnered to provide SHU students with the resources and industry support needed to launch successful careers in advanced manufacturing.
“This partnership is more than just a scholarship,” said Microboard CEO Nicole Russo. “It’s a strategic investment in the future of advanced manufacturing. Microboard is proud to support students who will become the engineers and innovators of tomorrow.”
PTA Executive Vice President Mike Rocheleau considers the scholarship an investment in his company’s future.
“Building partnerships with our local colleges and universities is a critical goal of PTA’s 2035 Innovation Strategy,” he said. “So, sponsoring an engineering scholarship at Sacred Heart University is more than a gift—it’s an investment in our future. PTA hopes to help bridge the gap between academic potential and real-world impact.”
SHU Associate Professor of Engineering Kevin Bowlyn echoed Russo and Rocheleau’s thoughts.
“This scholarship is significant because it reflects the industry’s belief in our vision to be a leader in engineering education,” Bowlyn said. “The scholarship will support our students by providing critical financial relief, enabling them to focus more fully on their studies, and opening doors to career pathways.
“By being recognized by two prominent companies, Microboard and PTA Plastics, recipients will have internships and mentorship opportunities. They will also gain invaluable real-world experiences that extend beyond the classroom, ultimately helping to position them for future employment.”
Along with its strong engineering staff and test and RF test design team, its leading-edge equipment and software are capable of placing the industry’s smallest parts, building some of the most complex, challenging, and fail-critical boards in the world.
PTA Plastics is an employee-owned company that was established in 1953, with operations in Oxford and Longmont, Colorado. Its core markets include medical devices, defense, and safety and security.
