NEWS & EVENTS
MakerMinded Celebrates Top Schools in Kentucky
MakerMinded Celebrates Top Schools in Kentucky
Digital Platform and Campaign is Changing the Course of STEM and Advanced Manufacturing Learning
Tuesday, May 8, 2018, Lexington, KY— LIFT – Lightweight Innovations For Tomorrow, a Manufacturing USA institute, along with Tennessee Tech University iCube, the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers and the Foundation for Kentucky Industry, is proud to announce the winning schools of the 2017-2018 MakerMinded competition. The following five schools in Kentucky are being recognized for excellence in advanced manufacturing and STEM learning through their participation in MakerMinded, an online STEM learning and competition platform:
- Wayne County High School, Monticello
- Wayne County Area Technology Center, Monticello
- Capital Day Middle School, Frankfort
- Meyzeek Middle School, Louisville
- Jackson Independent School, Jackson
These schools will be celebrated today at the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers State of Manufacturing Conference, where they will take home portable virtual reality kits to continue to experience STEM and advanced manufacturing learning in their classrooms.
“These talented students are our future workforce,” said Jackie Hogan, General Manager, Toyotetsu, and Chair, Kentucky Association of Manufacturers Executive Board of Directors, who presented the awards. “As employers, it is imperative we support students’ learning and help connect them to the world of advanced manufacturing by providing opportunities for them to see first hand what our industry is all about.” As part of their partnership with MakerMinded, Toyotetsu provided interactive tours to hundreds of students this year.
MakerMinded was launched in 2016 to impassion students about advanced manufacturing and provide them with transformational learning experiences and 21st century skills to secure their path to in-demand careers. The platform provides access to a diverse range of national and local STEM and advanced manufacturing programs, including manufacturing facility tours, gaming activities, project-based learning, and competitions.
“The impact of MakerMinded is powerful evidence of the magic that happens when you inspire young people,” said Emily DeRocco, LIFT’s Education and Workforce Director.” “Since we launched in 2016, over 1,100 students and teachers from 115 schools across Kentucky completed thousands of STEM programs, gaining foundational technical and employability skills that will prepare them for success in the high-tech manufacturing industry.”
The 2018-2019 MakerMinded competition in Kentucky will begin in August, 2018.
For more information, visit KY.MakerMinded.com
Wayne County High School – Visit a Challenger Learning Center
Wayne County Area Technology Center – Be a Maker
Capital Day Middle School – Design a Stem Outdoor Classroom
Jackson Independent School – Newton’s Attic
Meyzeek Middle School – Lego EV3 Mindstorm Robotics
About LIFT – Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow
LIFT is a Detroit-based, public-private partnership committed to the development and deployment of advanced lightweight metal manufacturing technologies, and implementing education and training initiatives to better prepare the workforce today and in the future. LIFT is one of the founding institutes of Manufacturing USA, and is funded in part by the Department of Defense with management through the Office of Naval Research.
About iCube
Tennessee Tech University’s iCube is a place where students and faculty Imagine, Inspire, and Innovate. We are a leader in advancing collaborative solutions with extensive experience in public policy marketing campaigns and virtual reality development. To learn more about our center, please visit www.ttuicube.com.
About the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers
Established in 1911, the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers is Kentucky’s most effective advocate for manufacturers. KAM’s mission is to protect and create a manufacturing-friendly environment in Kentucky. In addition to advocating, KAM connects, educates and provides cost-saving programs and products to members. For more information, go to: www.KAM.us.com.
About the Foundation for Kentucky Industry
The Foundation is a statewide, not-for-profit, on a mission to strengthen Kentucky’s most valuable economic indicator – manufacturing, and the qualified personnel manufacturing needs to drive it. With support from private and public partners, the Foundation advances innovation and technology through education within the changing culture of manufacturing. For more information contact maryb@foundationforkyindustry.org