Ready for the future

Soaring drones, 3D printers, laser cutters.

These are the tools of future engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs and STEM scholars, according to a news release from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems.

With help from Bendix, these tools now are in the hands of Elyria Catholic High School students in their new Maker Space, the release said.

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, a manufacturer of active safety, air management and braking system technologies for commercial vehicles, understands the importance of encouraging STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education and careers, the release said.

This fall, the company located at 901 Cleveland St. in Elyria, donated $12,500 to Elyria Catholic to equip a collaborative classroom for students to develop STEM related technology and entrepreneurial skills.

“Education and STEM are key activities that Bendix supports, as we believe they are the foundation for self-sufficiency and align with who we are as a company – technology driven,” said Maria Gutierrez, Bendix’s director of corporate responsibility and sustainability. “I get particularly excited with maker spaces because that is the best way to learn and get kids excited – when they get to physically touch, experiment and create.

“It’s like playing, but with the science behind it. To me, that is the root of innovation.”

The Elyria Catholic Maker Space includes two 3D printers, 10 drones, a tilting interactive board, a vinyl cutter, a laser cutter, an iPad kiosk, computers and collaborative workplace furniture.

These technologies will allow for new curricular opportunities and extracurricular activities to develop students’ skills, the release said.

Elyria Catholic staff hope this space will prepare more students for college and careers in STEM-related industries, according to the release.

“The Maker Space at Elyria Catholic allows our engineering students to explore technologies and our business students to experience the entrepreneurial process,” said Michelle Hoffman, director of advancement at Elyria Catholic. “The Maker Space is truly inspiring our faculty and students to pursue more STEM projects in all of their classes.”

The Maker Space opened Oct. 14 during the school’s open house for prospective students.

Students in business and entrepreneurship, engineering and physics classes were the first to use the room, along with those participating in the Science Olympiad.

The space has sparked so much interest that a team was created to compete in local drone competitions, and the school is considering forming a FIRST Robotics team, the release said.

“When you are encouraging STEM education, there is no replacement for the hands on experience,” said Amy Butler, president of Elyria Catholic. “You can look at pictures and videos, but until you hold it, view it from different angles, and yes, even make mistakes, you have not had a true STEM learning experience.

“We are so thrilled for our students to have this kind of learning and look forward to embarking on more innovative experiences for them. We are extremely grateful to our partnership with Bendix and all those who are bringing STEM to the (Elyria Catholic High School) students.”

Ashley Hoge, a sophomore at Elyria Catholic, said the students enrolled in the school’s engineering course have done many activities that help them think creatively, but also are fun.

Sean Decker, a sophomore, and Jordan Taylor, a junior, agreed the Maker Space allows students to expand on their creativity while having the opportunity to further their knowledge in the engineering industry.

Sponsoring the Maker Space is part of Bendix’s ongoing commitment to support local education and STEM initiatives, according to the release.

In addition to Bendix, the Maker Space was made possible by Ridge Tool, a Catholic Community Foundation Rooted in Faith grant, and proceeds from Elyria Catholic High School’s 2018 Forward Gala.