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Board committee backs Make48 pilot as new high-school innovation course
Summary
The Beloit committee voted to recommend adding a Make48-based innovation experience to Beloit Memorial High School’s CTE/engineering pathway beginning fall 2025; the program carries a $5,000 fee but district staff said sponsorships are likely and district CTE grants could cover costs if needed.
The Teaching, Learning, Equity and Pupil Services Committee on April 15 recommended that the School District of Beloit add a Make48 Innovation Experience course at Beloit Memorial High School beginning fall 2025.
Staff described the course as a Project Lead-the-Way-aligned, competition-style engineering and design class that grew out of previous Make48 pilot participation; Make48 organizers are expanding the program nationally into classroom pods and offering sponsored spots for high-school teams. The presentation said the course will enroll roughly 15–18 students and create an applied engineering opportunity aligned to the district’s CTE pathway.
The district listed a $5,000 program fee for materials and registration but said it currently is on a sponsorship list and that corporate sponsorships in the Make48 program could remove or reduce the local cost. Staff said, if necessary, the district would use CTE grant funds to cover the fee.
Committee members praised the hands-on experience and the local connection: staff noted past Beloit teams have won Make48 contests and that English teacher and engineering liaison Paul Donovan has served as a patent attorney mentor in prior competitions.
A motion to recommend the Make48 Innovation Experience to the full board passed unanimously at the meeting.
