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Lakewood board highlights $5.78M state grant, MEMS lab and new robotics team plans
Summary
Board learned that the district used a $5.78 million state grant to expand career-technical pathways (MEMS and welding), will receive $20,000 from Lorraine County Community College for MEMS, and approved plans to launch an inaugural Lakewood Robotics competitive team.
Board members and district staff on June 1 presented results from the district’s Westshore career-technical programs and a student robotics showcase.
Dr. Yakubat reported the district received a $5.78 million state grant in fall 2023 to expand career-technical pathways and used funds to create a MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) clean-room lab and a welding pathway that produced industry credentials and internships. The MEMS program also secured a $20,000 grant from Lorraine County Community College to support the lab, the district said.
Ben Branco, a Project Lead the Way teacher at Lakewood High School, presented the engineering and robotics program and said students built and tested devices across multiple projects. Students showed class projects including a Rube Goldberg-style sequence and a popsicle-stick bridge that held 103 pounds during testing. Branco said the district plans to launch an inaugural Lakewood Robotics team to compete in VEX Robotics events next year.
Administrators said work-based learning partnerships with local businesses led to internships and summer employment for students in both MEMS and welding. The board also highlighted the creation of a new West Career Center intended to centralize career-technical instruction, industry credentials and college-credit pathways.
The board applauded student recognitions during the meeting, including Isabella Brown’s West Resilient Ranger award and a Dazzle Award presented to student Axel Scott for supporting actor in regional theater.
