HARRISBURG, PA — Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) is proud to announce the continuation of its scholarship partnership with Millennium Circuits Limited (MCL), a Harrisburg-based leader in printed circuit board (PCB) design and procurement.
On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, representatives from MCL visited HU’s downtown campus to present a second $30,000 gift, directly supporting students in HU’s quickly growing Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics program.
The renewed partnership arrives as HU marks its 25th anniversary year – a milestone that underscores the university’s longstanding commitment to affordability, access, and hands-on STEM education. MCL’s ongoing generosity ensures that more students can pursue careers in one of Pennsylvania’s most vital and fastest-growing industries: advanced manufacturing.
During the ceremony, MCL leadership toured HU’s advanced manufacturing facilities, met with faculty and scholarship recipients, and heard firsthand from students whose academic journeys have been shaped by the partnership.
A Growing Program, A Growing Impact
HU’s Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics program has rapidly expanded since its launch, preparing students for roles that are increasingly central to Pennsylvania’s economic future. Faculty emphasize hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and building real-world skillsets rather than just studying theory – a philosophy that defines Harrisburg University as a whole.
“ADMA is a fairly new program for us, and one that is growing at a rate that we are extremely happy about,” said David Schankweiler, Interim President of Harrisburg University.
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Dr. Richard Pitts, Jr., ADMA Program Lead, echoed the momentum. “This year, we’ll be having our fifth graduating class. Thank you for your generosity in providing scholarships to our students,” Pitts said, addressing the MCL team. “Both David and Naiquaan are really, really good students in my first-year course – and they bring two different perspectives. One is a first-year, traditional student from high school. The other has been out of high school for a while and decided to come back to college. We accept students from every level. And we appreciate the fact that you gave generously to help with that mission.”
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In Their Own Words: The Students Behind the Scholarships
Two MCL scholarship recipients – David Cruz ‘29 and Naiquaan Fahie ‘29 – shared their gratitude and their stories during the presentation.
“I’d like to say thank you for having me here,” said Cruz. “It’s been an honor learning from Dr. Pitts in the ADMA program. I have been given a lot of chances and I’ve been taking them – even working for the HU Makerspace and helping other teachers with their projects.”
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For Naiquaan, the scholarship marked the start of a long-held ambition.
“I’ve been wanting to get into robotics since I was a pre-teen, so advanced manufacturing was always on my mind,” he said. “I really appreciate the program, and being involved with all the robotics and the exceptional professors. We have a lot of good things going on and always have wonderful events. Thank you very much for the scholarship. It helped me out with the dream that I’m moving towards. The scholarship meant I didn’t have too much stress in my first year coming back to school. I appreciate that, and hopefully other students can have the same opportunity.”
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Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics student Alvin Smith ‘27, who also addressed the group, reflected on what the program has meant to him. “This degree that I’m obtaining is something I’ve really dreamed of for a long time,” Smith said. “I wanted to become an infrastructure engineer, and Professor Pitts is the one who really caught me and took me under his wing.”
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“These gentlemen are fantastic examples of the type of student we have here,” Schankweiler added. “We pride ourselves on being hands-on in education. We’re not all about book theory and just doing homework and papers. Not only in advanced manufacturing – you name it, and our kids roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. And that is the key. When we started the university, our main mission was to create an institution where young people who probably wouldn’t have a shot at going to university, because of the cost, could thrive. We purposely created this university so that young people would have that chance.”
A Partnership Built on Shared Purpose
The HU-MCL partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing innovation, cultivating local talent, and strengthening Pennsylvania’s manufacturing workforce. MCL is led by Owner Daniel Thau and President Justin Bloom. Bloom also serves on the Harrisburg University Board of Trustees.
“I met Dan about a year ago and heard his phenomenal story of how he started the company, how he grew the company, and what he has been able to do,” Schankweiler said. “I also got to know Justin, who, as a trustee for Harrisburg University, is a tremendous champion of our mission.”
“We’re really fortunate to have Harrisburg University in our backyard,” Thau said. “Justin and I just toured the advanced manufacturing area, and the resources, the dedicated people that you have – it’s truly amazing. We’re honored to partner with Harrisburg University on our purpose of advancing innovation. It’s great to hear from the students and to hear the impact. You guys are truly inspiring! Keep up the great work. We’re looking forward to continuing this for years to come.”
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As HU celebrates 25 years of transforming lives through science and technology – and as MCL continues its own legacy of innovation in Central Pennsylvania – the two organizations remain united in purpose: ensuring the next generation of manufacturers, engineers, and innovators has the opportunity to thrive, right here at home.
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ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) is an independent, nonprofit university offering degrees in advanced manufacturing, engineering, robotics, nursing, cybersecurity, and other critical fields. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, HU serves a diverse student body through bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that link learning and research with practical applications. For information about HU’s affordable STEM degrees and professional development programs, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay in the know by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACT
Do you have questions about this story? Interested in lining up an interview? Please contact Dan Wilhelm, Communications Manager for Harrisburg University, at DWilhelm@HarrisburgU.edu or 717.901.5100×1724.
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