On November 30, 2023, six seniors from North Chicago High School had an amazing day mentoring 48 students from Neal Math and Science Academy through a pen manufacturing process. Definitely not something they do everyday, but these students learned new, high tech manufacturing skills from the pros at Champions NOW in order to participate, and they haven’t stopped talking about it. The organization even reached their objective of exposing more students to manufacturing careers, and opening their minds to the possibilities, as three of my students are now considering careers in the manufacturing industry.

Terry and his team reached out to NCCHS to participate in one of their day long mentoring events in early Fall. Once we said yes, they were amazingly responsive with answers to our questions and concerns, and flexible in the planning, even moving the event to a partner location when neither of our schools were suitable to host. It ended up being an awesome day of not only learning about the manufacturing field, but also getting tours of high tech classrooms at the College of Lake County’s Advanced Technology Center – a great partnership! The staff at Champions NOW were terrific and patient with our students as they learned how to use and troubleshoot the equipment; the students really enjoyed this professional contact. The drone photos at the end were a big hit as well.

Now that we’ve participated once, we’re looking forward to having our students participate every year, if we can. It was a truly great way to provide exposure for our students, and get them thinking about a field that wasn’t originally in the forefront of any of their minds. Awesome event!

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the exceptional Pen Manufacturing Lab that you hosted at the Leyden High School Student Summit. The dedication and effort put into organizing such an insightful event were truly commendable. The Pen Manufacturing Lab provided a unique and engaging experience for middle school students, allowing them to explore the world of CNC manufacturing firsthand. The opportunity for each child to create their own pen from scratch was not only educational but also immensely enjoyable. Witnessing the excitement and enthusiasm on the faces of those budding manufacturers was truly heartwarming.

The lab’s organization was impeccable, ensuring that each student had the necessary materials, tools, and guidance to craft their pens. The step-by-step process not only taught them valuable skills but also fostered a sense of accomplishment and pride as they held their completed pens in their hands. It was evident that careful thought had been put into designing the lab to cater to the age group, making it accessible, engaging, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Beyond the immediate joy experienced by the participants, the Pen Manufacturing Lab holds significant long-term value. By exposing young minds to the world of manufacturing, you have inspired a new generation to explore and pursue careers in this field. The lab served as a powerful catalyst for igniting their curiosity, sparking a passion for manufacturing, and opening their eyes to the possibilities that lie ahead. The impact of this experience will undoubtedly extend far beyond the event itself, influencing the career choices and aspirations of these young individuals.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to nurturing the aspirations of our youth. Your organization’s impact will be felt for generations to come.