About the Program
Has your school district been on the hunt for a way to give students a more hands-on real-world experiences to make learning more memorable and exciting?
The Manufacturing Innovation Challenge (MIC) can provide such an experience!
This STEM program gets students out of the classroom and into the work environment by allowing a group of students to go into a local manufacturing company as “outside consultants” and tackle a REAL problem they are facing. Once the students have reached a solution to the company’s problem, they present their findings as a professional group to the company.
- Easily integrated into your district’s current curriculum while supporting and enhancing classroom learning.
- Supports development of critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and other skills that are extremely valued in the workplace.
- Offers flexibility to align to your educational environment and schedule. There are two visits to the local company, but the majority of the time working on the project is done with students working in the classroom.
- Funding support is available for substitute teachers and transportation costs.
Check out our featured program video
Student Benefits
Practical Skill Development
Working with a local company allows students to gain practical, real-world skills that can enhance their employability and college readiness.
Career Exploration
This opportunity provides students with firsthand experience in various industries allowing them to make informed decisions about their future careers.
Networking Opportunities
Students build connections and establish relationships with professionals in their fields of interest.
Enhanced Learning
This practical experience can complement classroom learning and provide a deeper understanding of academic concepts.
Boosted Confidence and Motivation
Working with real professionals at real companies can boots students’ confidence, motivation, and overall engagement in their education.
Student Success
Many students who have participated in this program have:
- Continued on to our pre-apprenticeship program and received industry recognized credentials
- Secured paid internships at local companies
- Gained scholarships for continued education
- Received full time job offers at local companies