Project Overview

The Advanced Manufacturing Consortium (AMC) is an employer-led sector partnership serving Northwest Ohio, dedicated to aligning the needs of manufacturers, educators, and workforce organizations. Through the AMC STEAM Robotics Challenge, we are bridging the gap between classroom learning and industrial application. This initiative offers two distinct pathways: the VEX IQ Challenge for middle school students and the VEX CTE Challenge for high schoolers.

Supported by a GM Community Impact Grant, this project equips 14 regional schools with the specialized robotics kits and workstations required to cultivate elite student teams. Our mission is to prepare these students for local and regional competitions during the 2026-2027 school year. The current phase provides a “soft start,” allowing educators and students to master the technology through professional development and hands-on mentorship before transitioning into full-scale league play and manufacturing-focused design challenges.

Our Strategic Objectives:

• Direct Engagement: Empower at least 100 student participants with intensive, hands-on robotics experience.

• Leadership Development: Train 12 educators to serve as expert coaches and regional STEAM leaders.

• Broad Impact: Reach over 800 students annually through immersive robotics demonstrations at the AMC’s Manufacturing Day and Mini-MFG Day events hosted by Northwest State Community College.