Firm Supports STEM Programs for Students

Frederick County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Terry Alban met with American Computer Development, Inc. (ACDi) President and CEO William Hornbaker today to accept a generous $10,000 donation from the electronics manufacturing services firm. ACDi presented the donation to mark a major milestone in the firm’s history—its 10,000th design order. The donation is targeted to support STEM—science, technology, engineering and math—programs and inspire students to pursue STEM careers.

“ACDi has a strong history of community involvement,” says Hornbaker. “This donation to FCPS’s robotics program feels like the perfect fit for who we are as a company and a celebration of our past and our future.”

ACDi’s Engineering Services Manager Garret Maxson was also on hand for the presentation: “As a result of participating in a robotics program at my high school, I chose to study engineering at the University of Maryland. It’s exciting to think that what we do day in and day out may help spark the creativity of others and launch another career in technology.”

“Our STEM programs are world-class,” says Superintendent Alban. “They are designed to give students real-world skills in cutting-edge fields like robotics and programming. We rely on community leaders like ACDi to partner with us to create opportunities for the next generation of STEM leaders. We are extremely grateful for their efforts on behalf of our students.”

SoleNet, Inc. is the company that contracted with ACDi for the 10,000th design order: “ACDi is our go-to partner when we need printed circuit board layout,” said SoleNet President Sasan Rostami, also present for the donation. “We are honored to be part of their 10,000th design celebration.”

Based in Frederick and Nashville, NC, ACDi was founded in 1984 by President and CEO Bill Hornbaker. It started out as a four-person printed circuit board design and documentation company. With the acquisition of Patapsco Design in the early 2000s, it added manufacturing capabilities, transforming the company into a full-service electronics manufacturing services provider with two locations and over 100 employees. The original design team had one computer and used the Racal Redac software package. Today, the PCB layout team consists of 10 PCB designers with over a century of combined experience including Mentor Graphics, Cadence, Altium, OrCAD, Valor NPI, and Polar Speedstack. According to ACDi, the firm is an integral resource to companies who need a trusted partner for dynamic electronics manufacturing, engineering and design expertise to successfully bring their electronic products to market.

In Germantown, MD, SoleNet, Inc. is an electronic design engineering firm, providing turnkey solutions from concept to production. According to SoleNet's leaders, the company’s expertise includes RF and wireless design, FPGA development, embedded software, and mechanical design. They provide services such as system performance and reliability analysis, feasibility studies, and project management.


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