“Igniting interest in manufacturing and professional trades careers among youth through innovation and outreach”

Take a virtual tour created by Able Eyes of our Advanced Manufacturing Training Center!

For many individuals, visiting a new environment can bring uncertainty—especially for those with disabilities, sensory needs, or mobility challenges. Able Eyes is transforming that experience.
 

Their virtual accessibility tools allow students and families to preview spaces in advance, helping remove invisible barriers and replacing anxiety with confidence, dignity, and belonging. By making the AMTC visible and navigable before arrival, Able Eyes is helping future makers step into the 
world of skilled trades with greater independence and readiness.

We’re proud to collaborate with organizations that share our commitment to creating inclusive, welcoming pathways into manufacturing careers for every young person.

⭐ Instructor Highlight: 
Doni LeCrone

Meet Doni LeCrone, our talented LEGO Robotics instructor who brings engineering concepts to life for students in grades 3–8. Doni uses LEGO to teach fundamental design and robotics principles, helping young learners explore creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on innovation.
 

What Doni loves most about this program?
"I get to be in the classroom with students and their teachers, which allows me to introduce these concepts to so many kids."

We’re grateful for Doni’s passion, energy, and commitment to inspiring the next generation of makers and thinkers!

SparkForce Camp
Registration is open and going fast!

Join us for a four-day, hands-on camp hosted in partnership with Jackson College and the Shop Rat Foundation!
 

Students will explore how things are made while discovering real-world pathways in modern manufacturing. Through interactive projects and exposure to industry tools and technology, campers will build problem-solving, teamwork, and critical-thinking skills in a fun, engaging environment.

A great opportunity for middle schoolers who love building, designing, and exploring how things work!

Imagine the possibilities!

 

Without the CNC equipment needed to deliver the high-level training that our manufacturers have been asking for, our ability to serve students—and meet the growing workforce demands here in Jackson—is limited.

 

This is the moment where our momentum either accelerates… or stalls.

 

Thanks to a generous $200,000 matching grant, every dollar given between now and the end of 2026 will be matched, doubling the impact of your contribution and bringing us closer to bringing this equipment online.

 

We would love your support to help close this gap. As we said, every dollar makes a difference toward reaching this goal.

 

Together, we can inspire the next generation of makers, builders, and thinkers—ensuring students have access to the tools and training that open doors to real opportunity.