Left to right: Autumn Bryant, Josh Woodard, Cheyenne Dinsmore( Advisor), John Stowers, Dean Keefauver( Advisor).
with customers, learn business practices, and are responsible for end results. Any profits from the student-led business are reinvested for educational needs.
Last year Eagle Manufacturing received about 275 orders of various sizes from the private sector, each with an average price of about $ 225, Townsend said. While some of those orders come from large multinational corporations such as Cummins, Inc., based in Columbus, others are from small local businesses. The program has a group of 50 to 75 core clients every year, spread across Indiana and about eight other states.
Students earn educational credits through Eagle Manufacturing, and those working through summer session also get hourly wages, working six hours a day for five days a week.
“ We get paid to learn,” during summer sessions, said Joshua
Woodard, student manager for manufacturing.“ Our motto is student-led and quality-driven.” In addition to technical training, the program provides inspiration, he said.
Other students said the program has allowed them to learn skills and get experience while in high school, rather than waiting for college. Among the best parts of the program involve learning to problem-solve, they said.
Both Woodward and Stringer plan to continue their educations after high school.
About 50 high school students are enrolled in the program, but those studying in introductory classes brings the total to about 115. All students in the program must also complete traditional Core 40 classes to graduate.
Eagle Manufacturing is one of approximately 25 student-based enterprise programs in Indiana.
“ We help teach students employment skills and put them in an environment to develop those skills,” Townsend said.“ That’ s unique to most of the educational process.”
“ All the jobs are real jobs,” Townsend said.“ That’ s the best way to learn employment skills.”
The program has an advisory board composed of community, business and industry leaders, which provides feedback, direction and support. Townsend said the board has been less active since the pandemic, and he hopes it can be reinvigorated.
“ I am immensely proud of Eagle Manufacturing and the unique opportunities it provides our students,” said Superintendent of Schools Emily Tracy.“ This exceptional student-run enterprise is not only one of the best in Indiana, but it also embodies the spirit of innovation and hands-on
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