Young Manufacturers Academy Geared to Engage Youth in STEM Currently Underway at Miami Lakes, FL

MIAMI LAKES, Fla. - July 28, 2014 - PRLog -- FLATE, the National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Center of Excellence in Florida is partnering with the National Manufacturing Institute, the South Florida Manufacturers Association (SFMA) to host the “Young Manufacturers Academy” in Miami Lakes, FL. The Academy will be held July. 28-Aug. 1, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Miami Lakes Education Center, and will be offered to 16 middle school girls from the Honey Shine Mentoring Program in Miami Lakes, FL. The initiative is funded through the National Partnership grant through the Motorola Solutions Foundation Innovation Generation program to engage youth in STEM, and is an extension of the “Supporting a Manufacturing Renaissance” efforts.

Activities will center on hands-on projects and simulation-based learning. Each activity is focused on developing 21st century skills, like teamwork and communication, needed to prepare students for today's high-tech workplace. Students will learn about latest manufacturing concepts, CNC manufacturing, get an overview of high-tech, high-paying jobs in Florida. Participants will also engage in a mock career fair capstone event.

They will go on industry tours featuring on-site interaction with manufacturers and get a first-hand view of high-tech manufacturing operations. “Florida has a diverse manufacturing industry, and FLATE is excited to offer a student summer manufacturing experience in south Florida” said Dr. Marilyn Barger, executive director of FLATE. Please refer to the attached document for in-depth schedule and highlight of activities during the five-day camp.

The Young Manufacturers Academy (YMA) introduces students entering grades 7 – 9 to all facets of the manufacturing industry. The Academy is part of the “Dream It. Do It” initiative, a national career awareness and outreach campaign designed to promote a positive image of manufacturing that is sponsored by The Manufacturing Institute in Washington, D.C. The primary goal of the program is to grow and develop the manufacturing workforce pipeline in the middle grades, a critical juncture in need of particular attention, with an emphasis on addressing girls and minorities from underserved districts with underachieving students.

For more information on the five day, Young Manufacturers Academy at Miami Lakes, or opportunities for interviews with students contact Executive director of FLATE, Dr. Marilyn Barger at barger@fl-ate.org, or visit www.fl-ate.org and www.madeinflorida.org.

FLATEis a National Science Foundation Regional Center of Excellence, committed to ensuring Florida has a well prepared workforce for advanced and emerging technologies. Created in 2004, FLATE is one of 42 Advanced Technological Education Centers in the United States funded by the National Science Foundation focused on improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and training to meet the needs of American advanced technology industries. For more information, visit www.fl-ate.org.