FORCE America recently held their fourth annual Fluid Power Action Challenge at Alexandria Technical and Community College (ATCC). Co-sponsored by BRAAS Company and SMC, this year’s event boasted 17 teams.
One middle school teacher from a school that sent four teams to the event had this to say about the experience:
“The students learn in-depth the design process, teamwork, and importance of time management. Many of the students also flourished under the opportunity to work on a project that was very hands on. Because of these reasons both the students and I are excited to participate in this program again!”
Now that this event has been going on for four years, students who have previously competed in the Action Challenge are beginning to emerge from high school and make post-secondary education decisions. In support of students interested in fluid power career paths, FORCE America is now offering $500 scholarships to previous Action Challenge participants who are also pursuing Mechatronics degrees at ATCC!
FORCE America also engages with middle school and high school students by sponsoring and sending panelist representatives to speak with over 1000 students at an annual Career Exploration Day with Northfield Public Schools. Last month, they joined other local businesses and took part in a pilot Introduction to Mechatronics course offered to high school students by offering company tours and sending representatives to the school to help with hands-on training and explain real-world applications of concepts.
The lead Technology and Engineering teacher at Northfield High School shared how the tours made an impact, “The tour of FORCE America and Beckhoff tied in concepts and theories from class relating to control systems and exposed students to the vastness of how hydraulics are used on our world today.”
If you are interested in making an impact in your community by getting involved with the Fluid Power Action Challenge or connecting with local schools, contact Stephanie Scaccianoce at sscaccianoce@nfpa.com.
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