The West Central Elementary School was recently awarded an Indiana Manufacturer, Innovation and Design Studio grant through Purdue University.
Elementary Principal Mike Carlson told the West Central School Board members that it’s a grant worth $20,000.
“It’s designed to get kids interested and establish a foundation in some of those high-tech, high-skilled manufacturing jobs that are available,” explained Carlson.
He said one elementary school in each county is awarded this type of grant.
Administrators are still awaiting paperwork before accepting the grant. They’re also working with Technology Director Kris Aschbrenner to work logistics with the program and space needed.
Carlson added, “It has five 3D printers, five robotic arms, and Sphero robots that they will code and program. It comes with 67 units of curriculum already pre-written for the teachers.”
Carlson and three teachers will go to Purdue University on April 8 for the initial training. A company will come in and install everything for the school by the end of the school year.
The curriculum is written for students in kindergarten through the sixth grade.
The school board members thanked Carlson for being instrumental in applying for the grant.
