Honda Manufacturing of Indiana (HMIN) partnered with Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana this summer to provide high school students an opportunity to get a head start on preparing for high-tech careers with the Fast PASS summer camp.

During the first day at camp, held in June and designed to expose students to advanced manufacturing opportunities, the incoming high school students were able to tour the HMIN facility and engage in interactive activities.

Industry and business mentors taught the campers leadership and problem-solving skills, how to build and program robots, and helped them discover their strengths through an assortment of hands-on experiences. The students also got the chance to see a 3-D printer that produced a helmet overnight.

“We are excited to partner with Ivy Tech and to support this advanced manufacturing camp,” said Nicole Bell, community and diversity lead at HMIN. “As we continue to build our pipeline, it’s important for us to tap into the interests of students and provide contact with professionals in the science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) fields to help them make real-world connections.”

Additionally, during the camp, the incoming high school students were able to explore advanced manufacturing career opportunities, meet industry and business professionals, learn about the education and skills needed for a variety of jobs, and determine which high school courses they can take while also earning college credit.

The college also partnered with the Jefferson County Industrial Development Corporation to develop the program.

The Ivy Tech Community College, which has campuses throughout Indiana, is the state’s largest postsecondary institution. It offers affordable degree programs and training along with courses and programs that are transferable to other colleges/universities in Indiana. Ivy Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

By Emily O’Connor