“I found not just a career path, but a passion. That sense of belonging only deepened as I moved forward in the program,” Smitananda said. “PBSC trained me to think like an engineer.”
After graduating in 2021, Smitananda began working as an engineer at Harmsco, a Riviera Beach-based company that manufactures liquid filtration products.
Now, thanks to a $40,000 donation from Sean Quinn, CEO of Wafer World, more students will have access to similar opportunities. Wafer World, a silicon wafer manufacturing company based in West Palm Beach, is a valued industry partner for the Engineering Technology program, providing support through donations and collaboration. This latest gift is the largest donation the company has made to date and marks a significant commitment to advancing STEM education. The Wafer World STEM Scholarships will support Engineering Technology students with financial need.
The scholarships were announced at the STEM Reception on June 12 at Pruitt Plaza on PBSC’s Lake Worth campus. The event was hosted by Matthew Lenihan, director of academic and business partnerships at PBSC, in collaboration with the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County and the South Florida Manufacturers Association.
“We’ve got a tremendous shortage of trained workers and we’re trying to solve the problem. We feel the best way to do that is by providing scholarships to kids that have financial needs to take these great minds so they can be productive in our county,” Quinn said. “We’re very happy to be part of this. With all the amazing changes that are coming and all the new companies moving to Palm Beach County, we’re trying to do our part to push this along.”
The event celebrated innovation, talent and industry collaboration, beginning with a networking reception. Companies in attendance included Pratt and Whitney, Florida Power & Light, Helix Logistics, Florida Atlantic University and BLUECUBE Aerospace, among others. It concluded with a guided tour of the Engineering Technology lab led by faculty and student ambassadors, with students’ project posters on display.
Kim Lea, PBSC dean of workforce education and development, emphasized the value of business partnerships and the many benefits students gain through internships, scholarships, networking events and career guidance from advisory boards.
“Our mission is not only to educate, but to partner, to innovate and to respond to the workforce needs of our entire region. Together, we can ensure our programs are not only relevant, but they remain transformational,” Lea said.