Innovating Together: KTEC High School and Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated’s Journey in STEM Education
A Partnership: Blending Design and Technology
In 2022, KTEC High School embarked on a dynamic partnership with Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated Grade School District (TWC), marking the start of an exciting venture in the realm of STEM education. The collaboration was rooted in a Design Thinking project that embraced the innovative world of 3D printing. TWC is a STEM focused and Project Lead the Way School of Distinction who utilizes 3D printing and design in their curriculum, found a synergistic match with KTEC High School. Together, they set forth on a journey to enhance their capabilities in STEM, leveraging each other’s strengths and expertise.
This collaboration brought a myriad of benefits to the students at KTEC High School. By actively engaging in 3D printing projects, our students not only applied their existing knowledge but also dove deep into the maker culture and the intricacies of fabrication tools and technologies. The experience made their NC3 Dremel 3D certification profoundly relevant, transforming theoretical knowledge into real-world applications.
What makes KTEC High School stand out through this collaboration? It’s the focus on providing real-world experiences that have a lasting impact on the collective community. These projects offer more than just technical learning; they are a platform for students to develop and showcase essential future-readiness skills like communication, teamwork, project management, and adherence to design thinking protocols. Such experiences are instrumental in preparing our students for seamless transitions into future careers or further education, equipped to handle real-world challenges.
A major highlight of the day was the first in-person interaction between KTEC High School students and the fifth-grade students from Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated (TWC). High school students teamed up with their fifth-grade clients to get constructive feedback. This not only enhanced the learning experience but also gave our high school students an invaluable opportunity to practice and refine their communication and design-thinking skills.
The collaboration between KTEC High School and Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated is a testament to the power of partnerships in education. By combining resources, expertise, and enthusiasm for STEM, both institutions have created an enriching environment that prepares students for the future. As we continue on this path of innovation and collaboration, we look forward to seeing the remarkable achievements our students will accomplish, both for themselves and their community.
