The Massachusetts Technician Education Collaborative (Mass-TEC) is a three-year (7/1/07 – 6/30/10) initiative funded by the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education program, DUE #0703040.

Mass-TEC is a partnership of Quinsigamond Community College (QCC), Worcester Public Schools (WPS), Latino Education Institute of Worcester State College (LEI), Worcester Family Engagement Coalition (WFEC), Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Intel Corporation, Commonwealth Corporation (CommCorp), Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), and the Education Development Center.  These organizations have come together in support of the Mass-TEC initiative, aimed at producing more engineering technicians to meet regional advanced manufacturing workforce demand by creating an effective system of influence over the career decision-making of adult job seekers and students in grades 7-12, particularly underrepresented minorities and women.  The initiative works by enlisting and empowering key individuals — teachers, guidance counselors, parents, and career counselors — who have proven influence with young people and adult job seekers.  Mass-TEC will leverage existing influencers’ relationships to promote technician careers in advanced manufacturing , and actively guide students and adults into college technician education programs by infusing existing college and career planning communication venues with accurate industry information.