$1.6m CTE Equipment Grant
Marion L. Steele High School in Amherst is a recipient of an Ohio Career Technical Education (CTE) Equipment Grant for $1.6 million to benefit the robotics and automation programs. The grant will help provide necessary equipment needed for two existing courses — Industrial Robotics and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) — to help strengthen students’ skills in the advanced manufacturing workforce, as well as provide means for more classes and programs. $1.6m CTE Equipment Grant.
An initiative was created to implement the development of skills in grade school for in-demand jobs that require credentials and skilled workers to use innovative technology, and the grant will aid in success tools for the program as a whole.
“The new equipment and class offerings that are made possible from this grant, will inspire students and create an experiential learning environment that will lead to deep understanding and discoveries about careers they are passionate about at an early age,” said Career Tech teacher John Agostinelli.
The number of robots and equipment that gives students a one-to-one technology teaching ratio will double with the grant, and Programmable Logic Controllers equipment will be upgraded to allow more challenging activities and more realistic simulations, the release states.
The grant gives allows two more classes at Steele High: Mechatronics and Industry 4.0 Capstone.
According to the release, the Mechatronics course will teach students mechanical and pneumatic systems, as well as “multiple brands of robotic vision systems,” building a foundation for in-depth assembly and troubleshooting skills.
Industry 4.0 Capstone will allow students to use devices such as human-machine interfaces (HMIs), SCADA applications, RFID identification, Io-Link SMART devices, ethernet communications, 3D simulation and management software and more, according to the release.
“I am beyond excited to see our students get equipped with real-world skills and credentials that are so important to Northeast Ohio’s economy,” Agostinelli said.
Students in the Capstone course will have the opportunity to visit local manufacturing facilities and develop solutions to present to the partnering employer after identifying current problems in the process.
The release states the program will offer tours and shadowing or internship opportunities with Lorain County companies Thogus Products Company, RE:Build CDI, Absolute Machine Tools and AJ Rose.
Students also can earn various credentials through this program including FANUC Handling Tool Operation and Programming, Allen Bradley/Rockwell Automation PLC, Studio 5000 Logix Designer levels 1 and 2, certified fluid power technician levels 1 and 2 and more.
“Our emphasis for all of our students is to be employed, enlisted or enrolled upon graduating from Marion L. Steele High School,” said Joseph Tellier, principal at Steele High. “This grant will allow us to expand our Makerspace/Innovative spaces at Steele to allow this to happen.”
Amherst Superintendent Mike Molnar recognized Agostinelli, as well as technology innovation specialist Beth Schwartz and curriculum director Mackenzie Hall for their work in compiling material necessary for the application process.
“I am incredibly proud of this team and all that they were able to accomplish,” Molnar said. “The new equipment, courses and opportunities this grant will bring for our Comets, encompasses the heart of our new mission to educate, equip and empower all students to choose their path, and make a positive impact in our community and beyond.”
Source: $1.6m CTE Equipment Grant