Kelloggsville — Senior Jordan Tillman knows exactly where he’s headed after graduation: the University of Michigan, where he’ll study engineering and run track. Thanks to his high school’s Intro to Engineering class, he feels well-prepared.
“I feel like a program like this really helps open doors,” Jordan said. “It gives everyone a chance to try it out and explore the opportunities, rather than missing out because they were never given the option.”
The class is part of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers’ Partnership Response In Manufacturing Education — or SME PRIME — program, a national initiative from the SME Education Foundation that equips high schools with manufacturing and engineering curriculum and resources tailored to local industry needs.
There currently are 118 SME PRIME programs across 25 states, with about 60 in Michigan, including Kelloggsville High School.
Connecting to the STEM Wing
John Linker, the high school’s dean of students and work-based learning coordinator, applied for an SME PRIME grant in 2021, about the same time the district began construction on a new science, technology, engineering and math wing, said Rob Fron, who teaches the SME PRIME courses with Josh Vanderkamp and Joel Hardy.
Just before the STEM wing was completed, the high school was notified it had been selected to receive a $360,000 grant for equipment, supplies and training to help the district establish a four-year high school program in manufacturing and engineering, Fron said.
“At one point, it was like Christmas around here,” he recalled. “Every day was a new package that we were opening, curious to see what it was.”
As part of the grant process, a study is conducted to analyze the community’s demographics and local businesses in order to identify what programs or initiatives would best suit the area’s needs, Fron said. It was determined that Kelloggsville’s program should focus on welding and engineering.
With that in mind, Kelloggsville was provided with AC/DC welding kits, VEX robotics equipment, a pneumatic trainer set and a fully equipped mechatronics lab.
Developing the programs came next. Kelloggsville started its SME PRIME program with a Robotics class last year that had about 20 students. For the 2025-26 school year, Industrial Arts and Intro to Engineering were added, with about 70 students participating in the three classes, Fron said.
The long-term goal is a comprehensive four-year pathway where students build skills from freshman to senior year and earn industry-recognized certifications along the way, Vanderkamp said.
To generate interest in the program, the classes have been made available to all grade high-school grade levels, with participation primarily from juniors and seniors.
Creating a Spark for Future Possibilities
Sophomore Lydia Kageler, who is in the Intro to Engineering course, already has earned a Snap-On Precision Measurements tools certification for tape, rule and caliper. Now she’s learning about the safety standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
“It definitely helps get you familiar with the different jobs and the types of opportunities that are out there,” said Lydia, who is interested in pursuing engineering and working in manufacturing.
During the Robotics class, senior Brokota Luzar worked on posters for some of the Kelloggsville sports teams while checking the 3D printer.
Although the SME PRIME program doesn’t directly align with his goal to become an actuary analyst — one who evaluates and manages risk, often in the finance or insurance sectors — Brokota said it still provides valuable job experience and life skills.
One of those skills is troubleshooting. At that moment, he was trying to figure out why the 3D printer stalled repeatedly at the same point.
“Last year, I talked to (Principal Nick Patin) about having classes like this,” recalled Brokota, who is participating in the Robotics and Industrial Arts courses.
“I do like the fact that it is being taught. I am definitely in it for the experience, which is what I am all about, the experience and getting a good perspective for my future. I am entirely grateful for that.”
Read more from Kelloggsville:
• Discovering the power of coding, one keystroke at a time
• Opportunities abound at first in-house career fair
