Stihl Inc.’s annual Manufacturing Technology Summer Camp marked a significant milestone this year, celebrating its 10th anniversary with a robust program that underscored the company’s commitment to STEM education. Held at Stihl’s manufacturing facility in Virginia Beach, Va., from July 23 to 26, the event welcomed 30 high school students for an immersive experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics under the theme “Innovation Amplified.”
The camp, offered at no cost to participants, provided a wealth of hands-on experience in process planning, budgeting, and product quality. Emphasizing teamwork and the spirit of collaboration, students were organized into teams to design and build Bluetooth speakers using Stihl components. This practical approach fostered not only technical skills but also a competitive edge among participants.
Courtney Addison, Senior Manager of Talent Development at Stihl, highlighted the camp’s dual impact: “This camp not only promotes local manufacturing but also introduces students to STEM career opportunities they might not otherwise explore or fully understand. By immersing themselves in how Stihl Inc. operates, students gain valuable insights that can guide their pursuit of careers in manufacturing.”
Former campers have leveraged their experiences into further education and career pathways, with some pursuing engineering degrees and others entering Stihl’s apprenticeship program.
Reflecting on her experience, camper Lucy Johnson noted the camp’s impact on her perception of teamwork. “I’ve always thought that I could do everything by myself,” Johnson said. “But during this camp, I realized that I can’t do it without other people’s help. It’s not a one-man job. You need a lot of people to do individual parts that they’re really good at.”
Rian Desai shared a similar sentiment, emphasizing the value of leveraging each team member’s strengths for collective success.
The camp concluded with a competitive showcase of the students’ projects, judged by a panel including Virginia Beach City Councilman Michael Berlucchi, Kathy Byron from Virginia Works, and Towuanna Porter Brannon of Virginia Peninsula Community College. Team Lorange—comprised of BellaGrace Chavez, Caleb Deaver, Jordyn Espy, Lily Jones, Joseph O’Neal, and Namish Shah—emerged as the champions, earning $1,000 scholarships and the title of 2024 Manufacturing Technology Summer Camp winners.
Stihl, along with supporters like automation technology firm Festo and ECPI University, funded the scholarships, reinforcing their commitment to nurturing the next generation of STEM professionals.
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