New London — The New London Early College Opportunity Program at the Science and Technology Magnet High School of Southeastern Connecticut has been awarded a $10,000 contribution from AT&T to help prepare high school students for the advanced manufacturing workforce through real-world experiences.

The Early College Opportunity Program is a collaboration between the Science and Technology Magnet High School of Southeastern Connecticut, Three Rivers Community College and General Dynamics-Electric Boat. Students begin the program as early as ninth grade to take high school and college coursework concurrently. Over the course of four, five or six years, they not only earn their high school diploma but also receive an associate degree in one of two areas of advanced manufacturing.

Five seniors who participated in the program earned a paid internship at Electric Boat over the summer. The support from AT&T is expected to serve up to 75 students in the program.

“Manufacturing is one of the fastest growing professions in Southeastern Connecticut. STMHS recognizes the importance of educating the next generation for high-demand, high-skill and high-wage jobs in manufacturing. We are so grateful for AT&T’s support. The additional funding will provide our students with paid internships, additional support services, supplement the cost of books and provide supplies for projects that will give students opportunities to apply real-world skills,” said Janet Farquhar, who coordinates the program.