Industry, Education, and Innovation: Inside the 2026 Industry 4.0 Academy Summer Series 2026

Supported by funding from the Arconic Foundation and Richard King Mellon Foundation, the academy connected educators with regional industry experts while providing practical resources they can bring back to their classrooms and students.

Day 1: Exploring Innovation at Mill 19

The academy kicked off on July 29 at Mill 19, where participants were welcomed by Hannah Bonelli and Matt Minner from Catalyst Connection who introduced the group to Industry 4.0 technologies and the state of manufacturing in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Educators heard directly from panelists located right in the Mill 19 complex including CMU Manufacturing Futures Institute, Motional, ElevateBio, and Instinct Robotics. The conversations highlighted the wide range of opportunities available in today’s manufacturing landscape, from robotics and automation to biotech and advanced mobility technologies. Participants then engaged in hands-on learning activities led by the Children’s Museum and Catalyst Connection’s SkillMill19 Learning Lab after touring Mill 19 Building A with CMU Manufacturing Futures Institute. The day concluded with facilitated discussions led by The Consortium for Public Education, helping educators reflect on how they could connect classroom learning to real-world manufacturing careers.

Day 2: Training and Technology at CCAC

The second session took place on August 5 at CCAC’s Center for Education, Innovation & Training, where participants learned more about the facility’s role in preparing the region’s workforce. Scott Dietz from Catalyst Connection shared updates on innovative projects and emerging industry trends happening throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. The day’s industry panel featured representatives from Kiski Precision, Pittsburgh Robotics Network, MEPPI, and SKC, Inc.  Educators also toured CCAC’s cutting-edge manufacturing training spaces and participated in a hands-on activity led by BotsIQ. After another facilitated reflection session with The Consortium for Public Education, participants headed next door to Moonshot Museum for an interactive experience exploring how space innovation and manufacturing intersect and how schools can engage students with those opportunities.

Day 3: Innovation in Action at Digital Foundry

The final day of the academy took place at Digital Foundry on August 12. Participants learned about Digital Foundry’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and then Hannah Bonelli shared about the many no-cost workforce development and STEM programs available through Catalyst Connection. Industry perspectives came from panelists representing Humotech, Coherent, Barnes Global Advisors, and Aerotech, Inc.  Educators then took part in a hands-on technology experience led by CMU Robotics Academy and toured Digital Foundry’s facilities to see advanced manufacturing technologies in action. The academy concluded with a visit to Pittsburgh Brewing Company, where participants toured the facility and learned directly from plant leadership about the automation and technology integrated throughout the brewing process.

What Educators Learned

One of the strongest themes throughout the academy was how much manufacturing has evolved. Several participants shared that they were surprised by the level of technology involved in modern manufacturing careers and left with a deeper understanding of the opportunities available to students.

One educator noted:

“I assumed that the majority of manufacturing careers did not involve advanced technology. I now know that there are many opportunities in manufacturing pertaining to advanced technology including robotics, 3D printing, engineering, etc.”

“How much manufacturing in the 4.0 stage has changed and that we really need to prepare our students in math, soft skills, discovery and inspire their sense of curiosity.”

Participants also expressed plans to share what they learned with fellow educators, administrators, school boards, and students while incorporating more career awareness activities, hands-on learning, and industry connections into their classrooms.

Perhaps the most meaningful feedback came from one participant who shared:

“This is one of the best professional development sessions that I have ever attended.”

Thank You to Our Partners

The success of the Industry 4.0 Teacher Academy is made possible through the collaboration of organizations committed to strengthening career awareness and workforce development across our region. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this amazing experience!

Host Sites

• • Mill 19
  • CCAC
  • Digital Foundry

Activity Partners/Tours

• • CMU Manufacturing Futures Institute
  • CCAC
  • Digital Foundry
  • Moonshot Museum
  • Pittsburgh Brewing Company
  • Children’s Museum
  • SkillMill19 Learning Lab
  • BotsIQ
  • CMU Robotics Academy

Panelists

• • • CMU Manufacturing Futures Institute
    • Motional
    • ElevateBio
    • Instinct Robotics
    • Kiski Precision
    • Pittsburgh Robotics Network
    • MEPPI
    • SKC, Inc.
    • Humotech
    • Coherent
    • Barnes Global Advisors
    • Aerotech

Education Session Facilitator

• • The Consortium for Public Education

Finally, special thanks to the Arconic Foundation and Richard King Mellon Foundation for supporting this initiative and helping educators gain valuable exposure to the technologies and careers driving our region’s future.

The academy was coordinated by Hannah Bonelli, Workforce Specialist at Catalyst Connection, whose planning and collaboration with partners across Southwestern Pennsylvania helped create a meaningful and engaging experience for participating educators.

With four additional upcoming hands-on SkillMill19 Learning Lab sessions for teacher academy participants planned throughout the school year, the learning and connections built during this summer’s academy will continue long after the final tour concluded. Interested? Sign up for the trainings now!