Sign up for Fall Classes in the Shop Rat Education Program!

Open to all (male and female) local students in 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grade. Can be from Public, Private or Home Schools on a first come first serve basis unless enrollment exceeds our expectations, in which a further application screening process may be used to narrow down applicants.
Depending on enrollment, 9th and 10th grade students may either have their own class, or may become teacher assistants and help to teach the 6th -8th grade students.
Students/Parents are responsible for transportation to and from the class facility. Car pooling is recommended and has worked well in the past.
Classes are to begin in September/October, or when the classes have been filled and will continue until May, when the large project has been completed.
Classes are free to students. Our program is made possible through donations and sponsorship. Your donations are thankfully accepted but not required. In return for your donation, we will provide you with a tax donation receipt for your accounting records.
The official schedule has not been determined, but, we plan on having class one night per week from 4-6pm. Once we have determined the class times, we will notify you immediately. We may have several different classes going simultaneously so you may be able to choose which nights work best for you.
We have two different locations: Classic Turning 2500 West Argyle St. Jackson MI 49202 and SMW Manufacturing 11500 M-106 Munith, MI 49259. The Jackson location will fill up very quickly so if you can make it to the Munith location as a second choice, please let us know.
Along with our classes the students can enjoy many activities that we are involved with. The students will be invited to be a part of the Jackson Rose Parade, take tours of the Michigan International Speedway, come to the Detroit Autorama, and even celebrate with us during the graduation celebration ceremony along with many other exciting activities that allow the students to be proud of their involvement in our program. In the past students have been on the radio and television in news stories about our program, which is always fun for the students.
This is a grassroots program starting in Jackson and the Shop Rat Foundation has a goal of a having classes nationwide, so come and be a part of this educational and fun program!

So what do you learn as a Shop Rat Student?

Throughout the process of building really cool projects such as the hovercraft (completed in last years program), a ½ scale 1932 Ford Roadster, or even an magical illusion set, students learn more than just how to build things. Students will learn skills in the Skilled Trade Industry including manufacturing, construction, automotive, electrical and other fields.

This can include reading blueprints, learning about solar energy, or even how to use lathes and mills. Students will gain an understanding of how to use hand, power, and machining tools. Beyond the build, students will also complete science and math exercises during small "kit" projects that allow them to learn a variety of 'applied' skills. We will also complete Junior Achievement workshops with the students to teach work ethic and employability skills along with introducing the job of the week. This is where we describe a career in the skilled trade industry with specifics such as salary and education required.

Our class is not as structured as a typical math or science class because we try to make this class as fun and exciting as possible to promote this hands on learning. Our classes are a bit loud, goofy, and entertaining, but we do not tolerate bad behavior. We may have music playing in the background, or may play a fun game that tests the student's knowledge rather than a paper test. Often students will break into teams, a leader will be chosen and they work together, almost like a company to complete the project. This promotes leadership and builds confidence, both vital assets for the next generation of skilled workers and citizens. Overall it is a great way to teach students vital skills with out them even knowing it! This class will create memories for the students that they will never forget.