Nordson EFD Strengthens Commitment to STEM Education Through PrepareRI Internship Program
Nordson EFD, a division of Nordson Corporation announced the successful completion of two summer internships for Rhode Island high school students exploring careers in manufacturing. The program was conducted in collaboration with PrepareRI, a strategic statewide partnership uniting government leaders, industry experts, educational institutions, and non-profits to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.
Now in its ninth year, PrepareRI is recognized as one of Rhode Island’s most effective initiatives for connecting students with real-world, hands-on career pathways. It focuses on preparing youth for high-demand industries, ensuring employers across the state have access to a future-ready workforce. Nordson EFD has been an active supporter of career pathway programs for decades, continuing to sponsor internships and mentorship opportunities at its East Providence manufacturing facility.
Creating Opportunities for Future Innovators
This summer, Nordson EFD welcomed two female high school students who expressed interest in pursuing technical and manufacturing careers. Both were carefully matched with the company through a competitive application process. Candidates were required to submit resumes and undergo in-person interviews, coordinated with the support of PrepareRI.
Once selected, the students joined Nordson EFD’s advanced manufacturing operations, where they were paired with experienced professionals. Each mentor developed a structured onboarding plan that included six-week project milestones designed around the interns’ career interests. The program ensured that the students received a balance of technical skill-building, project-based learning, and exposure to real-world manufacturing practices.
Immersive Manufacturing Experience
During the internship, the students were immersed in daily operations at Nordson EFD’s East Providence facility, known for producing high-precision fluid dispensing systems used to assemble cutting-edge medical devices, electronic components, and other high-tech products. Their responsibilities included drafting quality documentation, creating detailed work instructions, and contributing to process improvement initiatives.
In addition to their assigned projects, the students participated in job shadowing opportunities, working closely with career technicians, engineers, and machine operators. This exposure provided them with an understanding of how multiple roles within the manufacturing floor connect to achieve quality production outcomes. Equally important, the program gave them opportunities to collaborate with peers and managers, building interpersonal skills that are essential in today’s workplace.
Mentorship and Personal Growth
One of the key elements of the program was mentorship. Each student had a dedicated Nordson EFD supervisor who not only guided them technically but also served as a career role model.
“PrepareRI provides excellent preparation courses for first-time mentors in the program,” explained Dan Tolman, Molding Supervisor at Nordson EFD, who served as one of the student mentors. “The onboarding process helps you set realistic expectations and create a practical learning agenda for the intern. Personally, I found the experience extremely rewarding. Watching a student gain confidence, expand their skills, and build connections with professionals was inspiring. These opportunities simply weren’t available when I was their age. Internships like this can be game-changing for young people, especially as they consider investing in education for a technical career path.”
Building a Future Workforce
Nordson EFD’s participation in PrepareRI highlights its ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of STEM professionals. The company has a long history of partnering with both Fortune 500 corporations and emerging start-ups, delivering innovative dispensing technology solutions that support complex assembly challenges. By investing in students early, Nordson EFD not only supports local communities but also ensures a pipeline of STEM-ready employees who can continue advancing innovation.
About Nordson EFD
Nordson EFD designs and manufactures precision fluid dispensing systems for benchtop and automated assembly applications. Its technologies help manufacturers achieve superior process control by ensuring that exact amounts of adhesives, coatings, and other fluids are consistently applied. Beyond dispensing equipment, the company also produces high-quality syringe and cartridge packaging systems and is a leading formulator of specialty solder pastes.
In recent years, Nordson EFD has integrated Industry 4.0 innovations into its product line, enhancing connectivity and control for micro-dispensing systems. With more than 60 years of industry experience, the company maintains a global footprint, operating application laboratories, offices, and support teams in 30 countries.
About Nordson Corporation
Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, Nordson Corporation is a global leader in engineered systems for precision dispensing, fluid management, testing and inspection, surface treatment, and curing applications. Its solutions serve a wide range of industries including electronics, medical technology, consumer products, energy, transportation, packaging, construction, and general manufacturing. The company operates in more than 30 countries, supported by robust global sales and service networks.
