Last October, the University of Wisconsin-Stout proudly hosted its first Career Pathways Event, a thrilling showcase of innovation sponsored by 3M Menomonie. The challenge focused on ‘Rainwater Conservation’, setting the stage for an intense 48-hour competition where six high school teams from across northwest and central Wisconsin demonstrated their creativity and dedication to innovation.
UW-Stout's involvement in Make48 emphasized the university's commitment to fostering innovation, hands-on learning, and collaboration to address real-world problems. Teams, guided by industry professionals, UW-Stout students, and instructors, worked passionately as they faced challenges and brought their ideas to life in the university's Fab Lab makerspace.
The competing teams included:
Altoona Makers, from Altoona High School: Aaron Nujtxeeg Xiong, Kaylee Belisle, and Logan Kelley, coached by Jeff Ballentine. Sponsored by Presto.
Boards ‘N Bots from Chippewa Falls High School: Brett Schaeffer, Megan Schutte, Elleana Kenney, coached by Everett Sarauer. Sponsored by TTM Technologies.
Menomonie Mustangs, from Menomonie High School: Kajsiab Xiong, Enzo Parent, Jack Andresen, and Pajci Xiong. Sponsored by Andersen Windows.
Jeff Smart, from Amery High School: Brodrick Malon, Carter M. Kurtzhals, and Alex Kegley, coached by Mike Rose. Sponsored by Fastenal.
Weekend Warriors, from Neillsville High School: Armin De La Cruz, Cameron Waters, and Zachary Magnus, coached by Mark Brommer. Sponsored by OEM Fabricators.
Wenzel's Workers, from St. Croix Central High School in Hammond: Tyce Todd, Gavin Hawkins, Toby Lindstrom, and Brady Jackman. Sponsored by Derrick Builders.
Teams collaborated with coaches, regional engineers, and mentors to embark on a journey that involved making supply runs, vetting inventions with an intellectual property attorney, and producing working prototypes. Expert tool technicians provided invaluable support throughout the competition.
Supported by a local synergy of companies, organizations, and individuals from 3M Menomonie, Fastenal, Xcel Energy, Momentum West Wisconsin, Andersen Windows & Doors , TTM Technologies, OEM Fabricators, Presto, Derrick Building Solutions, and Ace Hardware of Menomonie, the teams rose to the challenge.
In this sizzle video, filmmakers from UW-Stout captured the intense creativity and dedication that defined this remarkable competition. In addition to the $2,000 first-place prize, each winning team member was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to UW-Stout. Students from the other teams also received a $350 scholarships for their participation.
Stay tuned for more electrifying developments in the world of Make48 by subscribing to their YouTube channel. The journey has just begun, and much more excitement is coming!