FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Summer Manufacturing Institute to Return Summer 2018
Concord, OH (November 10th) – The Summer Manufacturing Institute (SMI), a summer camp operated by a partnership between AWT, Ohio Means Jobs Geauga, Auburn Career Center, and Senator Sherrod Brown’s office, confirmed that the popular camp will be returning for a third year in June 2018. The two one-week summer camps seek to connect incoming 5th and 6th graders with what may be their first experience in manufacturing.
“Manufacturing is one of our state’s most important industries, but too often, our companies can’t find workers with the right skills, while our students don’t realize all the opportunities available to them,” said Senator Brown. The SMI located at Auburn Career Center is one of several manufacturing-based summer camps in the state. “We need today’s Ohio students to realize all the potential careers they could have in Ohio manufacturing, and that’s why, for five years now, my office has put on summer manufacturing camps for 4th through 8th graders across Ohio. ”
Campers at SMI do a hands-on science project and connect concepts they learn to the process they see in local manufacturing plants. Last year’s camps created a small speaker, and an LCD alarm clock – while the camps toured places like Libra Industries (who makes circuit boards), Suburban Manufacturing (a machine shop with an apprentice program), and Conn Selmer (who makes musical instruments). Campers will be sure to tour at least three facilities during their week.
2018’s themes will focus on our regional specialties – aerospace and medical manufacturing. As in past years, one week will be just for girls while the other week will be co-ed.
Some of last year’s students had done many of the science experiments like creating compasses in their science classrooms, but others did not have the same exposure. “We thought it was important to also have a low-tech angle and give kids their own screwdrivers to keep,” said Andrea Tracy, director of Adult Workforce Programs at Auburn and SMI Committee member.
SMI also received a grant from the #GoLakeCounty organization in order to support career equipment and technology. “With these funds, we should be able to get the materials we need for this program.”said Tracy. Materials will include mini NASA rover kits, Sponsorships are available to cover additional costs of the program – busing, college-student counselors, and lunches and snacks for the campers.
Registration and sponsorship opportunities are currently available online at thinkmfg.wpengine.com/smi2018 .
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For more information about SMI, please visit www.thinkmfg.wpengine.com/smi2018 .
About AWT
The Alliance for Working Together Foundation (AWT) is dedicated to promoting rewarding manufacturing careers. As a membership organization, we work together to introduce students to manufacturing and connect businesses to engage with their potential future workers. Based in Northeast Ohio, AWT and its members work toward the sustainability of manufacturing in our community. www.thinkmfg.wpengine.com