Florida High School High Tech Partners with FLATE for Manufacturing Experiences

Florida High School High Tech (HSHT) is excited about a new partnership with the Florida Advanced

Technological Education Center (FLATE). FLATE, a National Science Foundation Center of Excellence in high-technology manufacturing, is the go-to organization for manufacturing and advanced technical education, best practices, and resources supporting the high-performance skilled workforce for Florida’s manufacturing sectors. FLATE makes efforts to ensure every student is exposed to STEM-based opportunities – be it through the traditional classroom, problem-based, or experiential learning.

FLATE played a significant role during the 2014 HSHT Annual Conference, facilitating an industry tour for HSHT program coordinators at Southern Manufacturing Technologies — a high-tech manufacturer in Tampa. Desh Bagley, outreach manager for FLATE, also gave a presentation about FLATE’s statewide STEM-based programs and educational resources that the coordinators could access and incorporate as part of their HSHT teaching experiences throughout the school year.

More than 100 HSHT students participated in 2014 National Manufacturing Day, touring Custom Metal

Designs, Correct Craft Maker, Mitsubishi Power Systems of America, and Tallahassee Community College Advanced Manufacturing Training Center. This past fall, (as part of their effort to learn about high-tech industries and opportunities, establish local industry contacts, and chart a plan for future student career-based experiences) several HSHT coordinators toured FABCO Air, Gerdau, Budweiser, and Vistacon facilities.

FLATE introduced HSHT to the Toothpick Factory – a hands-on activity set in a manufacturing context – that stimulates discussion and awareness about a wide range of soft skills that are essential in today’s work and personal relationships. FLATE generously donated a set as a doorprize at the annual conference.

Florida HSHT recognizes the considerable opportunities in the field of manufacturing in the state of Florida for all students, and looks forward to a growing relationship with FLATE for the benefit of HSHT students.

by Allison Chase

Florida Grantor

Able Trust Publications