The SME Education Foundation and the Shop Rat Foundation
continue their efforts to change public perception of manufacturing
by offering STEM-based programs.
DEARBORN, Mich., PLEASANT LAKE, Mich., July 25, 2011 — No
tents, no water sports and no singing round the camp fire. Instead,
twenty-nine kids — 6th through 10th graders breezed through a
week-long summer camp at the Jackson Area Career Center (JACC) and
were introduced to the exciting world of manufacturing at the Shop
Rat Foundation 2011 Summer Camp. Funding for the camp was
provided by the SME Education Foundation.
Today, nothing can be assumed and reaching young people at an
early age, capturing their attention and motivating them to higher
learning is the objective. This summer the Shop Rat Foundation
kicked their summer camp experience up a notch. The kids learned
engineering basics and how to get right in there and use a variety
of hand tools, power and machine tools to make things.
For this group of students, the week-long camp was involving,
team-based and unique. Using their hands as well as their minds,
they learned to read blueprints, use a mill and lathe, build and
race robotic vehicles and learn the basics of hydraulics,
aerodynamics and power tools. Camp activities were supported by the
Shop Rat Foundation staff, volunteers, and advanced student
volunteers.
Following the event, the Shop Rat Foundation heard from excited
families and friends of the students. Grandparents Steve and
Harriet Videto, were clearly impressed. Said Steve, 'WOW" comes to
mind about the Shop Rat program. Our grandson attended and we
already see a change in him as far as confidence and enthusiasm,
not to mention the smile on his face when he showed us the project
he completed. As a 65 year old farmer, I would have died for
something as cool this when I was a kid!"
'The need is great," says Christopher Salow, chief executive
officer, Peak Manufacturing, and founder of the Shop Rat
Foundation. 'According to Advanced Technology
Services, skilled labor shortages will cost individual
companies an average of $50 million over the next five years. There
is a great need for technically-skilled workers in advanced
manufacturing. We have found our program to be highly effective
with these young people because it combines academic and critical
hands-on learning."
The students had many different learning
experiences. With a machining project, they turned raw aluminum
squares into their very own dice set, learned to read blueprints,
use the mill and the axis to mill out each side of the dice. In a
welding project, they welded a dice cup to go with their freshly
made dice.
For things mechanical, students were introduced to the Electric
Wheelie Car. They learned how to rivet and fasten the frame,
connect the electrical system, check the structure and test it. And
then the ultimate reward, being able to drive it on the last day of
camp!
In other projects, students used the Shop Rat Hydraulic Crane
Kit and assembled their very own hydraulic crane robot, and using
the Shop Rat Mousetrap Catapult Kit, students learned about
bending, using power tools, and drilling and assembling.
These experiences provided students with the framework that will
enable students to seek out further education in the Skilled Trades
industry. The Skilled Trades industry needs Shop Rat types of
programs to create the next generation of skilled workers.
Bart A. Aslin, chief executive officer, SME Education Foundation
and who serves as chairman of the board of the Shop Rat Foundation,
says, 'The new normal in manufacturing might have a larger
percentage of workers being highly-trained tradesmen. There are
many students today, who when introduced to technical skills, find
they have undiscovered talents and instinctual abilities.
Eventually these skills will give them a chance at a secure
well-paying job in advanced manufacturing."
Advanced manufacturers as developers and producers of high-tech,
complex products, hold the greatest potential for creating
sustainable, long-term economic growth, rebuilding the American
middle-class. The SME Education Foundation, working with leading
corporations, philanthropic organizations and educational
institutions, has created outstanding partnerships. And, since its
inception, has forged relationships based on shared interest in
workforce development issues.
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