Haywood High School opens state-of-the-art fabrication lab

BROWNSVILLE, Tenn. — Haywood High School is leveraging new technology in the classroom to expand education with a brand-new Ford Future Builder Lab.

Ford Community Relations and Ford Philanthropy funded these labs to expand career and technical education and give students hands-on training with modern technology.

The lab allows students to 3D print, laser cut and access micro computers.

“Here we have a career and technical education programs, so our industrial maintenance and mechatronics programs are that advanced manufacturing but those are for students that have made that decision their freshman year, and some students, you know and let’s think back to when we were 14 or 15 years old, did we know exactly what we wanted to do, so you know those students are getting those skills, but this can touch every student in the building,” said Madison Lewis, director of career and technical education.

School leaders and Ford Philanthropy representatives showcased the lab and shared their experiences using the new tech in the classroom.

“Oh it is so exciting to see the kids come alive, to see them get excited about something they never thought they could do, that’s what’s really been exciting is that we introduced them to pieces of equipment that they were like scared of at first and once they start working on it, they’re like I can do this, and then it opens up so many opportunities for them that maybe after high school there’s career choices that they never thought about,” said Michelle Tillman, principal at Haywood High School.

There are four additional Future Builder Labs in Tennessee: one in Lauderdale County, two in Tipton County and one in Fayette County.

Students say getting time on this equipment helps them build confidence in problem solving, creativity and technology skills.

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