A new technology center has officially opened in Kent, Ohio, aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for high school students across six local districts. The facility, part of the Engineering and Advanced Technologies Center at Theodore Roosevelt High School, was inaugurated on April 24, 2025, following a $2.3 million state grant.
Key Takeaways
- The new center expands educational resources for students in the Six District Educational Compact.
- Funded by a $2.3 million grant from the Ohio Career Technical Construction Program.
- The facility supports three high-demand career tech programs: CAD, electronics, and engineering.
- Students have already begun utilizing the center since February 2025.
Expansion of Educational Opportunities
The newly unveiled 3,500-square-foot addition to the Engineering and Advanced Technologies Center is designed to accommodate students from the Six District Educational Compact, which includes Kent, Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson, Stow-Munroe Falls, Tallmadge, and Woodridge school districts. This expansion is expected to significantly increase student capacity and enhance the quality of technical education.
Governor Mike DeWine highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating, "This is one more way to expand the opportunities for young people." The center will focus on three key programs:
- Computer-Aided Design and Engineering Technologies
- Electronics, Robotics, and Programming
- Engineering Academy
Student Perspectives
Students expressed excitement about the new facility and the advanced tools it offers. Grace, a junior, noted, "I’m looking forward to the increased abilities and having more room. We learn the basics here so when we do an internship, we already know things coming in."
Tae Smith, another junior, shared his evolving career interests, stating, "At first I wanted to be in construction, but after touring machine places, I started to change my mind. It made me really like what I am doing now."
Industry Impact
The center is not only a boon for students but also for the local manufacturing industry. Travis Copen, owner of Copen Machine, emphasized the need for skilled workers in manufacturing, saying, "The industry is primed up for a huge comeback. There’s a lot of incentive to reshore lots and lots of work."
Students like Grant Dodds, who has been working at Copen Machine, are already gaining practical experience. He remarked, "Every day is something new. There’s plenty of opportunities to learn new skills."
Conclusion
The opening of the new technology center marks a significant milestone for Kent and its surrounding communities, providing students with the tools and skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market. With a focus on practical experience and advanced technology, the center is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future workforce of Ohio.
Sources
- High school students look forward to new technology center in Kent, Akron Beacon Journal.
