NTID Co-op and Career Center - NCCC

Last Thursday, a group of 13 engineering students (AAS and BS) traveled to General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Maine for a behind-the-scenes tour. Led by Dr. Merrill, DJ Monahan, Trisha Gard-Thompson, Kit Kenyon, and Miranda Harms, this visit was all about connecting Deaf and hard-of-hearing students with impactful career opportunities in the Navy.

The day included an informative session with the Trade Training Program Manager and current deaf and hard-of-hearing employees. Students gained firsthand insight into the industry, and how deaf and hard-of-hearing employees navigate employment at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works.

A huge thank you to RIT/NTID alumnus Matthew Callahan for his instrumental role in making this experience possible for the next generation of engineers!



[Image Description:
A wide group photo of 22 people, including faculty and engineering students, posing on an outdoor rooftop patio at Bath Iron Works. Many individuals are wearing white or blue hard hats and safety glasses. They are dressed in a mix of professional and casual attire. In the background, two massive industrial shipyard cranes—one bright blue and one white with red stripes—tower over the group under a cloudy sky. The white crane features the "BIW" logo. In the foreground, white patio tables and black chairs are visible on the tiled deck.]

Meet Martin Lopez, a Mechanical Engineering Technology major who recently completed a successful co-op at Ludlow Manufacturing. In this role, Martin was able to apply his classroom knowledge to real-world projects, gaining invaluable experience and developing essential skills in his field.

Martin's experience at Ludlow Manufacturing highlights the importance of accessible and inclusive workplaces. When individuals with disabilities are provided with the necessary accommodations, they can thrive and achieve their full potential. Martin's story is a testament to the fact that success is achievable for everyone, regardless of their background or abilities.

Find more of our success stories at rit.edu/ntid/nccc-success-stories



[Image Description: A success story poster featuring a photo of Martin Lopez, a student at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). The poster highlights Martin's major (Mechanical Engineering Technology), hometown (Highland Park, IL), and co-op/internship experience (Ludlow Manufacturing). It also includes a section titled "What communication tools or accommodations helped you do your best work?", where Martin explains how Zoom transcripts and live captions were beneficial during meetings. The poster features the RIT and Ludlow Manufacturing logos.]

We enjoyed celebrating the Disability:IN DC Metro 20th Anniversary! We learned a lot about upcoming accessibility and AI policies and met many dedicated individuals working toward a more inclusive future. Looking forward to staying in touch with our new connections.



[Image Description:
Two women stand smiling on either side of a large blue promotional banner for Disability:IN DC Metro. The woman on the left wears a tan jacket and a long patterned skirt; the woman on the right wears a black cardigan over a blue and white patterned blouse. The banner between them is titled "Engage in disability advancement in the nation’s capital and beyond" and features an image of the U.S. Capitol dome. Both women are wearing event lanyards and posing in a bright, modern indoor space with marble flooring.]

Regina and Sophie are in Washington, DC connecting with employers and exploring new partnership opportunities!

During their visit, they stopped by in Hyattsville, MD, where they met with owner Mark Burke to learn more about his business and workforce needs. Conversations like these help us better understand how we can support employers while creating meaningful opportunities for our students.

We’re excited to continue building relationships with businesses in the DC area!



[Image Description:
Three people stand outdoors in front of a light gray textured wall featuring the circular green and white logo for "Streetcar 82 Brewing Co." On the left, Mark Burke wears a grey t-shirt, shorts, work boots, and a blue baseball cap. In the center, Regina stands smiling in a dark purple coat over a yellow patterned shirt. On the right, Sophie wears a black RIT/NTID polo shirt, a black skirt with a bright yellow belt, and black flats. They are standing between a potted plant and two rustic wooden chairs on a sunny day.]

Success Story Spotlight: Hayden Blecher

From the classroom to real-world impact.Hayden Blecher, an Applied Computer Technology student at RIT/NTID, is putting his skills to work as an IT Intern with the Upper Freehold Regional School District.

Through hands-on courses like Technical Capstone and Help Desk Support, Hayden built the confidence and technical expertise needed to thrive in a professional IT environment.

Let's go, Hayden!

🔗 Read more success stories: rit.edu/ntid/nccc-success-stories


[Image description: A branded RIT/NTID Success Story graphic featuring Hayden Blecher. The layout includes the RIT/NTID Co-op and Career Center header and details about Hayden’s major (Applied Science/Applied Computer Technology), hometown (Cream Ridge, NJ), and co-op role as an IT Intern with Upper Freehold Regional School District. A portrait of Hayden shows a young man standing indoors, wearing a light blue button-down shirt and dark pants, smiling with a relaxed posture.]

Looking to upgrade your LinkedIn photo for co-op and job applications? We are offering students a free 10 minute photo session on Friday, April 10!

Register for a time slot, dress in professional attire, and meet us at the Studio A-LBJ 2720 to get your photo taken.

Appointments are limited, so sign up today >> rit.edu/go/C7QVU

Contact your NCCC Employment Advisor for any questions.



[Image description:
A promotional flyer with a clean, modern design in black, white, and orange. At the top, large bold text reads “Get a free professional portrait!” next to an illustrated headshot of a person inside a circular frame.

Below, a section labeled “LinkedIn Photoshoot” explains that the NTID Co-op and Career Center is offering professional portraits for deaf and hard-of-hearing, ASLIE, and MSDE students.

The event date and time are highlighted in orange: Friday, April 10, with sessions from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.

A box states that photo sessions are 10 minutes long and will take place in Studio A – LBJ 2720. A QR code and registration link (rit.edu/go/C7QVU) appear below.

On the right side, a list titled “Perfect for:” includes: LinkedIn profile pictures, biography, work ID, portfolio, presentations, and business cards.

At the bottom, the RIT logo and “National Technical Institute for the Deaf Co-op and Career Center” are displayed on an orange banner.]

Regina recently toured Jabil in St. Petersburg, FL, where she met with Jessica Bass and Nicole Troanvitch. One of the highlights of the visit was seeing a former Applied Computer Technology student who is now working at Jabil. It was wonderful to see one of our alumni thriving in their career!



[Image description: Regina with Jessica Bass and Nicole Troanvitch during the visit to Jabil in St. Petersburg, Florida.]

Here is another NTID Co-op and Career Center Success Story featuring Gigi Zheng, a Biomedical Science (BS) and Health & Wellbeing Management (MS) student from Staten Island, NY.

Gigi completed a Science and Data Internship at the University of Pittsburgh – AIBIDS, where she gained valuable hands-on experience aligned with her academic and professional goals. Through this opportunity, she strengthened her technical skills, expanded her professional network, and reinforced the importance of building connections with potential employers. Her experience highlights how internships can open doors and create meaningful pathways for future career success.

Read more about Gigi’s journey and explore additional NTID student success stories at rit.edu/ntid/nccc-success-stories.

[Image Description: A black, white, and orange NTID Co-op and Career Center Success Story graphic featuring Gigi Zheng. The graphic lists her majors in Biomedical Science (BS) and Health & Wellbeing Management (MS), hometown of Staten Island, NY, and her role as a Science and Data Intern at the University of Pittsburgh – AIBIDS. On the right, Gigi is pictured smiling in a professional setting. RIT/NTID branding appear at the top and bottom of the graphic.]

We are pleased to spotlight another NTID Co-op and Career Center Success Story featuring Emily Ohl, an Industrial Design (BFA) student from Columbia, MD.

During her internship with FieldTex Cases in Rochester, NY, Emily gained hands-on experience designing alongside customers and collaborating with sales teams to develop practical, functional solutions. This opportunity strengthened her interest in user-centered design and affirmed her goal of building a career that keeps customer collaboration at the heart of the creative process.

Read more about Emily’s journey and explore additional NTID student success stories at rit.edu/ntid/nccc-success-stories.

[Image Description: A black, white, and orange NTID Co-op and Career Center Success Story graphic featuring Emily Ohl. The graphic lists her major in Industrial Design (BFA), hometown of Columbia, MD, and her role as a Design Intern at FieldTex Cases in Rochester, NY. On the right, Emily is pictured operating an industrial sewing machine while working on a product. NTID and RIT branding appear at the top and bottom of the graphic.]

Interested in working in the rewarding fields of conservation, outdoor recreation, and education?

CorpsTHAT will be on campus 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tuesday, February 10, in Ellie’s Place, SDC first floor, to chat with students about summer job opportunities and co-ops!

This is a fantastic opportunity to meet their Program Director, Emma Bixler, and learn more about how you can get involved.

See you there!

[Graphic description: Green and tan background with forest silhouette. Top right, white RIT logo and “National Technical Institute for the Deaf Co-op and Career Center." Top center, black font, "Love the outdoors? Get paid to protect it!" Top center white font "Summer 2026 Internships." Middle left, photo of Program Coordinator Emma. Middle right, white CorpsThat logo. Below white logo, blank font, "Want an opportunity to make a difference? Learn environmental and trail restoration techniques? Gain career readiness and leadership skills? Get experience working in beautiful state parks?". Bottom center, white font with event location and time details. Bottom center, white font, "corpsthat.org, [email protected], ."]