Incoming ninth graders at Max Hayes High School took it to the parking lot last week, Thursday, July 26, to race the cars they had crafted as part of the Take it to the Max program. Part summer camp, part school orientation, nearly 60 students participated in two WIRE-Net program sessions to see if a career in manufacturing is the right path. Max Hayes students concentrate on manufacturing in their studies.

"The goal of the program is to introduce the students to careers in manufacturing and the careers taught at Max Hayes,” explains Jose Estrenera, director of youth programs for WIRE-Net. “If they get a leg up on what Max Hayes is about, they’ll be more productive.”

Two three-week sessions this summer focused on building a car. Students were given a block of wood, four wheels and four nails. “At first they look at it and say, ‘how am I going to make a car out of this,’” says Estrenera. But they figure it out as they take computer classes with a CAD type program to develop a plan, hear lectures from volunteers on aerodynamics and the rudimentary skills needed, and take a 3D model into the lab to shape, sand, paint and decorate their cars.

“The camp has four parts: the technical lab, the computer lab, physical exercise and social skills,” says Estrenera. “There are a lot of good jobs around in manufacturing. This camp gets them actively thinking about what they are doing in courses at Max Hayes.”

Not to mention the fun that was involved. “The reaction was great,” says Estrenera. “The kids were really proud of their cars and really expressed themselves.”

Source: Jose Estrenera
Writer: Karin Connelly