Partnership students get first-hand experience at ACI
Last week, a group of 6th and 7th grade students from Partnership Middle School visited Mississippi State University's Advanced Composites Institute (ACI) for some first-hand experience in advanced manufacturing.
ACI focuses on pioneering transformational composite technologies in a variety of critical sectors, including aerospace, civil, military, energy, automotive and other emerging markets.
"The MSU Advanced Composites Institute is committed to futureproofing the local workforce through introduction of advanced material concepts, early, to the next generation," ACI Director Chris Bounds said.
ACI staff led students through a series of stations showcasing the work of the institute in researching, creating and testing advanced composite materials used in a wide array of industries such as aviation. From repairing airplane wings and plotting design specs to 3D-printing prototypes and reconstructing a 1953 Jeep, students learned about ACI'S technology and development process as well as how composites can be used in real-world applications.
When asked how valuable the firsthand experience in advanced manufacturing is for the students, Partnership 7th grade counselor Allyn Williams says it's nothing short of an “incredible opportunity” for the students.
“It's one of my main goals as a counselor to provide them with opportunities to expose them to new things that are career and/or college oriented,” said Williams. “It's such a fun age of exploration of their interests and just seeing possibilities that they've never considered before. ACI did such a great job showcasing opportunities in manufacturing that are right here in Mississippi.”
Partnership principal Jorine Neal echoed Williams when talking about the value of the first-hand experience for the students, since manufacturing is not what it used to be.
“It is very valuable for our students to have first-hand experiences and exposure to advanced manufacturing,” said Neal. “It's now cool and cutting edge. The innovative use of technology really appeals to our students and future career interests.”
Partnership students also had the opportunity to hear from Starkville High School seniors who have worked as interns at ACI for the last year through their coursework in the technology, engineering and construction academic house at SHS. Neal said the students are afforded an opportunity to see and listen to the experiences of students from their school district and community.
“This opportunity for dialogue allows for students to make connections with what we are currently doing at Partnership,” said Neal. “Students can see the relevance of what they do in our media center, Makerspace and robotics classes on a bigger scale in advanced manufacturing.”
Williams adds that it is never too early for students to start thinking about what career path they want to go down, and Partnership's trip to ACI was “the perfect opportunity” for them to do that.
“It's incredibly important to start exposure at a young age. We really want them to begin thinking about the future early on, so that we can assist them with their goals,” said Williams. “When we know where they want to go in life, we can help equip them from the very begin
ning with what they need to succeed.”
Williams also expressed her gratitude toward the ACI for hosting the Partnership students.
“They did such a wonderful job meeting my students where they were academically and making those connections. We really enjoyed it,” Williams said.
Last week, a group of 6th and 7th grade students from Partnership Middle School visited Mississippi State University’s Advanced Composites Institute (ACI) for some first-hand experience in advanced manufacturing. (Photos from Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District Facebook page, for Starkville Daily News)