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Oak Creek High students present GEM program to district board, seek space and support
Summary
Members of Oak Creek High School’s Roundtable Robotics team presented a new outreach program called GEM (Gender Equality in Manufacturing), described its beta test and timeline, and asked the board for help finding space and sponsorships to run the program for middle-school students.
Members of Oak Creek High School’s Roundtable Robotics team on Feb. 10 asked the Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District Board of Education for help expanding a new outreach program called GEM (Gender Equality in Manufacturing).
GEM student leaders described the program and a summer beta test, outlined plans for a middle-school machining class and community outreach, and asked the board to help with space and local sponsorships. “GEM … has a mission to promote gender equality, empower, and raise awareness towards women the role women play in engineering,” said Lindsey, identified in the presentation as GEM’s marketing lead.
The students said the program’s beta test included hands-on introductions to tools ranging from handheld screwdrivers to a horizontal band saw. “The purpose of this was to gauge the excitement within our district and see what people could do and see how we can improve our program before officially launching it to the middle schools,” said Morgan, identified as the team’s awards lead and GEM business lead. Co‑founders Liana and Daria described their roles running mechanical and programming tracks and said GEM aims to build a pipeline from middle school to local jobs.
Staff member Danny Palm introduced the students and said board members had asked to hear about the program after seeing the group at a meeting. Board member Cheryl Sturniglia praised the students: “You could just feel the enthusiasm … we’ve got to try to do something to see if we can get this going.” Meredith Whitman and other board members and staff offered networking suggestions, including outreach to the UW–Milwaukee program that connects with middle- and high-school students, and an invitation to speak at a chamber breakfast.
The students listed several concrete needs: a summer slot through the municipal recreation department or a summer-school class; a regular workspace with access to equipment; and local sponsorships. They suggested the old Empower Building (referred to in the presentation as the Knights Forge) as an ideal workspace.
The presentation closed with contact information (students noted an Instagram account) and an open offer to update board members on progress.
The board did not take a formal vote on the GEM presentation; the session was a program spotlight and the students’ requests were recorded as items for follow-up by staff and board members.
