Financial Consulting. Let Us Do the Math.
Started in 2004 by a Jackson-based manufacturing entrepreneur, The Shop Rat Foundation grew from his acute awareness of the need for skilled talent and opportunities for youth to explore these careers.
Never one to sit and wait for someone else to find a solution, he took action and began opening his manufacturing facility to area youth to explore manufacturing and develop career-driven skills. In the 16 years since, the Shop Rat Education Program has grown from 15 students to over 2,000 youth served through the programs annually.
The Shop Rat Education Program encompasses hands-on in-school curriculum, community activities (such as Manufacturing Day) and extra-curricular classes and camps.
A key priority for the Shop Rat Foundation is accessibility for all. In its commitment to this priority, the organization is constantly working toward this by addressing cultural, financial and geographic barriers that students and families may be facing.
MISSION
Igniting interest in manufacturing careers among youth through innovation and outreach.
VISION
Become the premier hands on skills curriculum partner to 6-12 educational institutions, community groups and affiliated industry associations throughout North America.
VALUES
Integrity
Community
Partnership
Respect
Accountability
Curriculum utilized within the Shop Rat Education Program focuses on:
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Building Trades
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Computer Science
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Engineering
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Precision Machining
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Robotics
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Welding
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It has been designed to align with local industry needs, as well as CTE (career and technical education) standards.
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The Shop Rat Education Program encompasses in-school and extra-curricular offerings, providing youth enrolled in grades 3-10 an opportunity to explore and prepare for future careers within the manufacturing and professional trades sectors.
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Shop Rat
Education
CONSTRUCTION
TRADES
COMPUTER SCIENCE
ENGINEERING
PRECISION MACHINING
WELDING
ROBOTICS
Community
Outreach
The Shop Rat Foundation believes strongly in the value of collaboration; prioritizing partnership with educational and community groups.
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The Shop Rat Foundation has been generously funded by the Dream Makers Fund at the Jackson Community Foundation to facilitate the Dream Makers Robotics Program to Jackson area schools. This is a hands-on, 8 week program facilitated within the school day; to provide accessible robotics for all students. The program is available at no cost to the schools, serving grades 3-8. It is designed to align with FIRST Lego League, FIRST Technical Challenge and FIRST Robotics at the high school level. Currently, this program is serving 9 area school districts with expansion to all interested community districts planned.
The Shop Rat Foundation also serves as a curriculum and instructional resource to Jackson Preparatory and Early College, Northwest Connect and Western Career Prep and area homeschool organizations to provide manufacturing focused programming to students.
Virtual
Programming
Correlating with our mission of innovation and outreach, the Shop Rat Foundation has developed a career exploration focused mobile application, On the Job 360, allowing students to explore manufacturing careers virtually.
Additionally, the Shop Rat Foundation is launching virtual programming with the opportunity for curriculum sales and franchising for those outside of the immediate service area.
Staff
Kelly Kofflin Executive Director
Lara Pearse Conley Director of Community Programs
Kaiti McDonough Communications Coordinator
Doni LeCrone Lead Instructor, Dream Makers Robotics
​Alexis Gwantley Lead Instructor, Dream Makers Robotics
Brian Owen Lead Instructor of Manufacturing Technology & Engineering
Jeff Drushal Instructor, Welding
Chad Ottney Instructor, Welding
Board of
Directors
Amanda Hutchings Board Chair, President, Peak Manufacturing
Tom Jurasek Treasurer, CEO, Bearex
Tim Exposito Director, Sr. Owner Wooster Services
Brandon Marken Director, Founder/CEO Lean Rocket Lab
Colton Stepke Director, Machinist, CMF
Leland Falde Director, Senior Software Developer, Miller Electric Mfg Inc
Alex Masten Director, Director of Lean Rocket LOCAL & Entrepreneurial Services
Kim Castle Director
Donors &
Sponsors
Allied Chucker & Engineering
C. Thorrez Industries
Great Lakes Industries
The Hurst Foundation
Mid-America Sales
Peak Manufacturing
JCF Dream Makers Fund
Kofflin Family
Lavery Family Foundation
Nick Arcaro
Technique Inc.
Schultz Family Foundation
Michigan Masonic Cement City -
Lodge 435
Michigan Masonic Charitable
Foundation
Steve & Debbie Lazaroff
Camiel & Ann Marie Thorrez
Bill & Vi Sigmund Foundation
Keough Family Foundation
S.H. Camp Foundation
SparkForce Foundation
Jackson Community Foundation
Community Partners
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