Recently, our students got an extraordinary look at real-world robotics in action thanks to Sgt. Andy Urbiel and the Michigan State Police Bomb Squad.
Sgt. Urbiel brought the full setup — trucks, robots, and UAV drones — to show our students firsthand what the work looks like in the field. From navigating dangerous scenarios to operating specialized equipment, our students saw the practical applications of robotics, teamwork, and problem-solving in action.
Our students proudly demonstrated our REEFSCAPE competition robot, which definitely cycled faster than Sgt. Urbiel!
We are incredibly grateful to Sgt. Urbiel and the Michigan State Police for taking the time to share their knowledge and passion with our students. Experiences like these give our team a unique perspective on how the skills they’re developing in the lab translate to real-life missions that make a difference in our communities.
Thank you for inspiring the next generation of engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers!
Catholic Central’s commitment to hands-on STEM education was on full display this week as our facilities buzzed with both current students and future FIRST Robotics mentors. The CC Robotics Center served as a training ground for two significant educational initiatives, highlighting our dedication to building the next generation of innovators.
Empowering FIRST Mentors
We had the privilege of hosting FIRST in Michigan (FiM) for their new mentor training program. Throughout the day, aspiring mentors immersed themselves in hands-on sessions covering robot construction, programming fundamentals, and essential mentoring skills. These dedicated individuals will soon guide students across Michigan in FIRST Robotics competitions, making today’s training a crucial step in strengthening our state’s STEM education community.
Advanced Manufacturing in Action
Meanwhile, in our CAD machine shop, Mr. Joe Lemieux’s lab class engaged in practical manufacturing experience. Students worked with advanced tooling and design technology, putting theory into practice. This hands-on approach exemplifies our educational philosophy: it’s not enough for students to dream about the future – they need the skills to build it.
The machine shop, equipped with state-of-the-art manufacturing technology, provides our students with invaluable experience in:
Advanced manufacturing processes
Precision tooling
Design implementation
Programming and automation
Real-world problem-solving
Building More Than Robots
These parallel activities showcase Catholic Central’s comprehensive approach to STEM education. Whether it’s training the mentors who will guide tomorrow’s robotics teams or providing our current students with hands-on manufacturing experience, we’re creating an environment where innovation thrives.
“We want our students to not just envision the future, but to have the skills required to build it,” explains Mr. Lemieux. This vision drives our investment in both facilities and hands-on learning opportunities, ensuring CC students graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
As we continue to expand our STEM programs and facilities, we remain committed to providing our students with the tools, knowledge, and experiences they need to succeed in an increasingly technical world.
CC Shambots 