Keep trekkin’
For the first time since the pandemic, Green Bay welcomed students from Michigan Technological University to present their award-winning STEM roadshow, Mind Trekkers, to sixth and seventh grade students. The program, which features hands-on science demonstrations powered by Michigan Tech students, was hosted at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and sponsored by the NEW Manufacturing Alliance.
Nearly 2,500 students participated in the two-day event, including all Green Bay Area Public Schools, as well as public, private and homeschool students from Brown, Oconto, Door and Marinette counties, says Cassy Tefft de Muñoz, executive director of the Center for Educational Outreach at Michigan Tech, which advises and helps mobilize the student organization that has served 3 million middle schoolers nationwide over the past 15 years.
Tefft de Muñoz says Mind Trekkers’ mission is to “spark curiosity,” and NWTC Associate Dean Jill Thiede says sparks were flying Feb. 15-16 — both figuratively and literally.
“There was liquid nitrogen; there were blow torches; there were human-sized bubbles that were being put together,” Thiede says. “Sixth graders are right at the peak of being open to trying things, so it was exciting to see them wanting to try out all these hands-on experiments. This really fits in with what we do at NWTC: getting students excited about tactile experiences. And hopefully now they’re going to associate NWTC as a fun place to learn.”
Tefft de Muñoz says, on top of being an eye-opening experience for middle schoolers, the event allows Michigan Tech students to gain new experiences, too.
“A lot of our students who come on these trips happen to be international students,” she says, noting that Mind Trekkers becomes a chance for those students to see the country and have a “true American culture interaction.”
It’s also an opportunity for those college students to be exposed to job opportunities, making it a great fit for a sponsor like NEWMA that’s focused on helping manufacturers recruit talent at all stages of the educational experience.
“NEWMA was a fantastic sponsor,” Thiede says. “We are always looking for opportunities to collaborate with sponsors to provide these types of opportunities to our community.”
It’s a worthwhile investment, Tefft de Muñoz says: “What other field trip can you go on for under $50 a student,” she says, “that is as immersive and as impactful?”
— Kate Bruns
Grant for tech ed
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has been awarded a federal grant of $1.475 million per year to help public schools modernize career and technical education. The grant will be funded for three years with the potential for two additional years. Wisconsin DPI was one of just 19 grantees selected out of more than 160 applications from 43 states and the District of Columbia. “We must break down barriers so that every kid can access meaningful learning, relevant to their interests and goals in life. That’s an essential function of public education, and to ensuring the future success of our state,” State Superintendent Jill Underly said.
Envelope, please…
The 35th annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards were presented by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Feb. 22 in Milwaukee, and New North-based companies took home honors in three categories. Muza Sheet Metal of Oshkosh and Menasha Corporation of Neenah were named manufacturers of the year in the medium and mega categories, respectively, and Plexus Corp. of Neenah received a special award for “Global Collaboration & Local Precision.” Companies were evaluated by an independent judging panel on a variety of key benchmarks, including financial growth, technology, product development, sustainability, operational excellence, R&D and more. Learn more at wimoty.com.
A toolkit for hiring heroes
The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, has released a report on how manufacturers can optimize their recruitment and retention efforts for military-connected talent. The report highlights case studies from the MI’s Heroes MAKE America initiative, using testimonials from leading manufacturers and military-affiliated manufacturing team members to illustrate the best practices. The report is available online at themanufacturinginstitute.org/research/transitioning-military-affiliated-talent-into-manufacturing/.
