Reinvesting in Manufacturing Engineering at Cedar Falls High School
Cedar Falls Schools is excited to enhance the student learning experience with SME PRIME 2.0, to evolve with the changes in education and meet the needs of their students and community. Partnership Response in Manufacturing Education (PRIME) was originally created in 2012 and Cedar Falls High School was designated as one of 15 schools identified in the United States. PRIME was developed as a response to the growing skills gap crisis in our nation along with the greater mission to inspire, prepare and support STEM-interested students.
Dr. Andy Pattee, Cedar Falls Schools Superintendent stated “as a District we continue to explore work based learning opportunities to maximize students' passion and purpose in a career pathway. SME PRIME 2.0 allows for deeper opportunities for students throughout our region to help them long term and to explore multiple opportunities here in the Cedar Valley.”
“The engineering program at Cedar Falls High School has connected me closely with other content areas and has given me more opportunities to bring rigor and relevance to my curriculum. I feel like great strides are underway in making the students and their futures the most important focus of the educational process. Students are able to leave this program with an immeasurable amount of direction,” said Dirk Homewood, PLTW Instructor.
Cedar Falls High School offers a comprehensive STEM education based on student inquiry through problem-solving and practical experience alongside career certifications, college partnerships, and technology to prepare students to lead productive and rewarding careers in an ever-changing world. In the fall of 2024 a new high school building will open with two dedicated STEM classrooms and a makerspace between the two rooms.
“We will be partnering with the SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers), University of Northern Iowa, and local businesses to create pathways directly into the workforce, 2-year degree programs, or 4-year degree programs. With community partnerships, the opportunity to take career certifications, college-level courses, and receive on the job training through our CAPS program will be available to our students. SME PRIME 2.0 will provide the platform for funds and curriculum to ensure students have access to state of the art technology and educators the necessary professional development in engineering, computer science, welding, and metal technology,” said Dirk Homewood, PLTW Instructor.
The Cedar Falls Schools Foundation (CFSF) is PRIME 2.0’s first sponsor. “We feel very fortunate to be in a position to help,” stated Monica Boyer, CFSF Executive Director. “Innovation is one of our focus areas when we consider projects to fund within the school district. Our support gives students an opportunity to work with the latest technologies, helping them be that much more prepared as to enter the workforce or pursue post-secondary education.”
Numerous additional partners have added their support:
“Power Engineering and Manufacturing is excited about the implementation of PRIME 2.0 in the Cedar Falls School District, as it brings advantages to both the students and the local manufacturing companies. Power Engineering and Manufacturing is dedicated to investing in our youth and the future of manufacturing careers. By working together with these students, they can acquire insights into our company and the custom gearbox solutions we provide to different industries globally, while also exploring potential career paths. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this program will have on our industry and our community,” said Dennis Schilling, CEO of Power Engineering and Manufacturing.
“Advanced Heat Treat Corp. (AHT) is pleased to be involved with PRIME 2.0 and educate students on heat treatment - a process not often talked about in everyday life, but so important to manufacturers in industries such as agriculture, aerospace, automotive, etc.,” said AHT President Mikel Woods.
“Viking Pump has been a proud supporter and host site for Cedar Falls CAPS students. As a key employer in the Cedar Valley we understand the important role the CAPS program plays in introducing students to future career opportunities and allowing them to interact with a wide variety of businesses in the area. Viking Pump looks forward to the evolution of our partnership through PRIME 2.0!” said Chad Wunderlich, Distributor Development Manager at Viking Pump.
Front row: Monica Boyer, CFSF Executive Director; Jessie Sorensen, CFSF Board President; Kathy Butler, CFSF Board Member; Dirk Homewood, Project Lead the Way Instructor; Amanda Finck, CFHS Junior; Hunter Russell, CFHS Senior; Susie Hines, CFSF Board Member
Back row: Eric Rosburg, Executive Director of Secondary Education; Dave Vandeventer, CFSF Board Member;Andy Pattee, Superintendent
