Congratulations to the 2017 MakerMinded Winners

The LIFT—Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow national manufacturing institute, along with Tennessee Tech University iCube and the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network is proud to announce the winning schools of the 2016-2017 MakerMinded competition.  Six schools in Tennessee were recognized for excellence in advanced manufacturing and STEM learning through their participation in MakerMinded, a new online STEM […]Read more The post Congratulations to the 2017 MakerMinded Winners appeared first on Tennessee STEM Innovation Network.

The LIFT—Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow national manufacturing institute, along with Tennessee Tech University iCube and the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network is proud to announce the winning schools of the 2016-2017 MakerMinded competition.  Six schools in Tennessee were recognized for excellence in advanced manufacturing and STEM learning through their participation in MakerMinded, a new online STEM learning and competition platform.

“These students are our future leaders in advanced manufacturing,” said Lawrence E. Brown, executive director, LIFT.  “Through MakerMinded, they are not only learning foundational STEM skills, but getting hands-on experience in great manufacturing careers in their communities.”

MakerMinded was launched at the start of the 2016 school year to impassion students about advanced manufacturing and provide them with transformational learning experiences that set them on track towards 21 ^st century manufacturing careers. The platform provides access to a diverse range of national and local STEM and advanced manufacturing programs, including manufacturing facility tours, gaming activities, project-based learning, and competitions.

“The first year impact of MakerMinded is powerful evidence of the magic that happens when you inspire young people,” said Emily DeRocco, LIFT’s Education and Workforce Director.”  “In less than one year, over 2000 students at over 150 schools across Tennessee completed over 1600 STEM programs, gaining foundational technical and employability skills that will poise them for success in the high-tech manufacturing industry.”  LIFT and its partners are awarding the top six schools in Tennessee, which competed from October to May.  These schools will receive Virtual Reality Learning Systems to give their students additional hands-on exposure to STEM and advanced manufacturing technology and careers.

The following top Tennessee schools were awarded at the Tennessee STEM Innovation Summit in Murfreesboro, Tennessee:

“When we give schools the innovations and tools to succeed, we are ensuring successful futures for students,” said Wes Hall, executive director, Tennessee STEM Innovation Network.  “MakerMinded is a game changer that is increasing students’ access to the real-world STEM experiences and skills they need to realize great careers.”

The post Congratulations to the 2017 MakerMinded Winners appeared first on Tennessee STEM Innovation Network.