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MakerMinded celebrates top schools in Kentucky

Digital platform and campaign is changing the course of STEM and advanced manufacturing learning

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 8, 2018) — Lightweight Innovations For Tomorrow (LIFT), a Manufacturing USA Institute, along with Tennessee Tech University iCube, the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers and the Foundation for Kentucky Industry, today announced 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.