A new partnership is fusing classroom lectures with hands-on experiences at one Central Arkansas high school.
Wednesday morning, officials cut the ribbon at Mills University Studies High School’s new Lexicon Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Construction.
Lexicon CEO Patrick Schueck says the program offers a variety of tools for kids to learn all aspects of skilled trades.
"We got weld training booths that allow for them to be able to start understanding the mechanics of how welding is to be done, not only properly, but safely," said Schueck. "There's safety equipment, there's welding equipment, and theres a lot of variety of welding tips and things, so they'll not only learn how to weld, but they'll learn how to maintain the equipment and do everything properly.”
Schueck says this kind of learning not only helps students better understand what career path they may want to pursue, but also helps them learn how concepts taught in the classroom apply to real-world situations.
"My kids especially do a phenomenal job of being able to sit down and figure things out, versus how I was taught where I was sat down and told. So I believe project-based learning allows for them to understand why they have to learn math, why they have to learn algebra, why they need to understand chemistry. All that makes things relative to them.”
Forty students have signed up for the initial semester, and the school says it has already more than doubled those registrations for the next course.
Schueck says this training is important in shaping a student's career path.
"There is a huge deficit of skilled tradesmen across the United States. Programs such as these allow for students to get involved early to understand if construction is really their purpose, if it's truly their passion, to allow for them to continue to further navigate their educational path. To include welding or another form of construction allows them to be successful long term.”
The academy includes individual welding stations that are fully equipped with tools, safety gear, and materials to guide students through fusing and repairing surfaces.
Juniors Brian Aguilar and Celeste Wilson say they are excited about having the additional learning opportunities.
“I got interested in welding, because I had worked construction with my dad growing up," said Aguilar. "I'm used to it. I'd rather do that for my career."
"I like the thrill of it!" Wilson added. "I like feeling big, bad, and dangerous when I'm holding the equipment!”
The program is made possible through the Academies of Central Arkansas Initiative, which was launched in 2019 with support from local business leaders and the Pulaski County chambers of commerce.
