300 local manufacturers target 9th graders with gumdrop engineering challenge

More than 300 manufacturing firms operate in Broken Arrow, Okla., a figure that underscores the local industrial density. This economic reality formed the backdrop for a recent hands-on workshop at Broken Arrow Freshman Academy, where students tackled structural challenges using dried spaghetti and gumdrops. The activity served as a practical introduction to the collaborative nature of modern manufacturing work.

The event stemmed from a partnership between the school and the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation. Deandre Fahie, a representative for the corporation, noted the high concentration of industry in the city. He stated that the goal was to connect with students at an age when many begin forming ideas about their professional futures. The curriculum aimed to move beyond simple assembly line stereotypes, showcasing roles in welding, HVAC, aerospace, engineering, and business fields like marketing and accounting.

Christopher Morgan, who represents Boeing among the participating employers, emphasized that teamwork is a core competency in the sector. He described collaboration as the single most important skill for new hires. The exercise was designed to demonstrate this principle in action, requiring students to work together to build stable structures under specific constraints. This approach challenges the common perception that manufacturing is a solitary or repetitive task.

Fahie stressed that a bachelor’s degree is not a prerequisite for entry into the field. He explained that many employers offer a trade-off: a student works in a shop for one year, and the company then pays for specific engineering courses or certificates. This model provides a direct pipeline into skilled trades without the immediate burden of student loan debt. Fahie argued that earlier exposure to these pathways improves a student's likelihood of securing a stable career.

Student Jamasia Malina observed that the workshop shifted her perception of the industry. She noted that manufacturing often appears boring on the surface but reveals itself as a vital and complex field upon closer inspection. Morgan said the companies hope the experience will serve as a recruiting tool, aiming to attract graduates who might otherwise look for jobs in other sectors. The manufacturers expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share their daily work environment with the next generation of potential employees.