06/15/2026
The first annual MADE Camp at the McMinn Higher Education Center was a huge success! 🎉
What does MADE stand for you may ask? ⚙️
Manufacture • Assemble • Design • Engineer
This opportunity opened the door for 6th, 7th, & 8th graders in McMinn County to get a glimpse into future careers and to begin learning valuable soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, & time management. Last week was a continuation of efforts to strengthen partnerships between the McMinn Economic Development Authority, industry in McMinn County, and local education.
Students experienced hands-on learning alongside industry representatives from DENSO, Heil, Creative Foam, and Midlab to build pinewood derby cars, create hand soaps, code robots, and engineer hoverboards. IronCraft, Crescent Sock Company, and Mayfield Dairy Farms allowed the students to tour their facilities and learn the history of their companies. In addition, the educational pathways leading to future careers was presented by Kevin Edwards from McMinn County Schools CTE, Laura James from TCAT Athens, Stefanie West from Cleveland State Community College at MHEC, and Dr. Grant Willhite from Tennessee Wesleyan University.
Big thanks and much appreciation to Joe Barnett (Director of Athens City Schools) for bringing the idea of this camp to our community, the McMinn County EDA for leading the charge, camp sponsors, industry & educational partners, members of the planning committee, and the volunteers who worked together to inspire youth and impact our future workforce.
More pictures and videos to come in subsequent posts.
