Abstract

The place of Albuquerque TVI Community College in the ladder of photonics education in New Mexico is presented. TVI has offered photonics courses since the late 70s. These courses formed the first rung of what has developed into a ladder of photonics educational opportunities in New Mexico, ranging from middle and high school initiatives to university programs. Details of how TVI established its current Photonics Technology Program and a description of this program are presented. Two key elements of success in photonics education are emphasized – excellence in teaching traditional and non-traditional students of diverse educational backgrounds, and involvement and feedback from industry in shaping educational and training programs in photonics.

© 2003 Optical Society of America