This summer, Grayslake Community High School District 127 (D127) brought the future of manufacturing to life for students across Lake County with three dynamic camps that combined hands-on learning, career exploration, and industry collaboration. Designed to align with the goals of the Lake County Manufacturing Alliance, these camps—two for middle school students and a new inclusive program—highlight how education and local industry can join forces to shape tomorrow’s workforce today.
Igniting Interest in Middle School with SPARKFORCE
In June, D127 hosted two exciting middle school camps through a powerful partnership with the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA) under the SPARKFORCE initiative. Now in its third year, these camps are more than just summer activities—they’re a launching pad for students’ career exploration journeys.
- Light Saber Design Camp: Students dove into CAD design, learning how to bring Star Wars-inspired light sabers from concept to creation. Through hands-on design software and digital modeling, participants explored what it takes to be an engineer or industrial designer in today’s high-tech manufacturing world.
- Welding & Fabrication Camp: Students donned safety gear and got to work welding their own custom fire pits. With sparks flying (literally and figuratively), they developed basic skills in welding and fabrication, leaving with a sense of accomplishment and a tangible product of their efforts.
Both camps culminated in a site visit to Laser Precision in Libertyville, offering students a firsthand look at real-world applications of the skills they learned. The tour underscored the connection between classroom experiences and industry careers.
“When students walk through a plant like Laser Precision, they see how the things they build in our labs can translate into meaningful work,” said Chris Ellingsen, D127 Manufacturing Instructor. “It’s eye-opening and inspiring.”
The camps were such a hit that several parents asked if there were additional opportunities available. Chris gladly pointed them toward College of Lake County’s SPARKFORCE camp in July—demonstrating the power of a united Lake County approach to student success.
“This collaboration between school districts, postsecondary institutions, and employers is exactly what the Lake County Manufacturing Alliance stands for,” noted Jim Connell, Director of the Manufacturing Alliance at the College of Lake County. “When we align, we give students real, guided access to rewarding career pathways.”
Expanding Access Through Inclusion Camp
Inspired by last fall’s SPARKFORCE Gala, D127 applied for and received funding to pilot a three-week inclusion camp designed for students with unique skills and learning needs. This camp focused on essential “soft” skills—communication, teamwork, problem-solving—while introducing manufacturing through interactive experiences and local plant tours.
The program kicked off with a unique partnership with Liberty Prairie Farms, where students participated in an assembly line simulation using an egg washing station. This hands-on activity served as a foundation for exploring manufacturing principles and workforce habits.
From there, students practiced essential job skills and visited a range of Lake County manufacturers, including Fischer Paper Products, Image Group, and Gold Bond, Inc.
Local leaders noted that these visits weren’t just learning opportunities for the students—they were equally impactful for the employers. “Meeting these students helped us see potential in a population we don’t always connect with,” shared Kim Wimer of Laser Precision. “They’re motivated, capable, and bring a fresh perspective to the work we do.”
“These camps are about more than teaching skills,” added Gina Schuyler, D127’s Community Partnerships Coordinator. “They’re about building bridges—between schools, communities, and industries—so every student sees a place for themselves in the workforce.”
Collaboration in Action
The success of these camps is a direct reflection of the shared commitment among Grayslake D127, FMA, SPARKFORCE, CLC, and Lake County manufacturers to invest in the next generation. Whether it’s introducing middle schoolers to CAD software or helping students with unique abilities explore assembly lines, the common goal is clear: empower every learner and strengthen our regional workforce.
“SPARKFORCE exists to inspire students to explore careers in manufacturing and connect them with opportunities,” Ed Dernulc, FMA/SPARKFORCE. “The work D127 is doing exemplifies what this movement is all about.”
As the manufacturing industry evolves, so must our approach to talent development. Grayslake D127’s summer programs are a powerful reminder that when educators and employers work together, we don’t just prepare students for jobs—we prepare them for meaningful futures.