Explorer Program
Indiana State University is one of the partners involved in the Vigo County Explorer Program. Over the Past few years as many as 21 industry and education partners have worked together to conduct this unique program involving middle school (eighth grade) students.
The purpose of this endeavor is to introduce students to manufacturing processes, materials, skills and manufacturing related careers by visiting industries and other institutions for several weeks during the semester. Throughout the semester, students get hands on experience in a number of skill areas such as machine processes (lathes, mills, grinders), CAD, welding, PLC Programming and assembly. Students and their advisors, which include secondary teachers, college and university professors and manufacturing professionals, work toward a common goal of producing and assembling a product. The specific product could be anything that can be fabricated, machined or produced that would expose students to skills, materials and processes. At the conclusion of the semester long program each student will take home a completed project that the student helped to manufacture and assemble. The program is growing in popularity and currently has the capability to include 30 students during each semester (fall and spring).
Explorer Program Photos in 2004 and 2006