Middle school students tried their skills using laser engravers, virtual welders and robots in KRESA's Discovery Lab this week.
The traveling mobile Lab provides students with hands-on career exploration, according to a press release from the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency.
Middle school students from Portage Central Middle explored careers related to manufacturing, including industrial design, machine tool, welding, mechatronics/robotics and supply chain/logistics.
The hands-on experience included using a laser to engrave their initials into a water bottle donated by Newel Brands. Students also tried their hand at a welding simulator and learned about the supply chain by using a robot to move "product."
The Discovery Lab will visit both North Middle and West Middle schools during the second week of March.
The mobile facility was designed, in partnership with Pfizer and Stryker, to bring career exploration experience to students across the county, according to KRESA. The Lab features advanced industry equipment, multimedia tools and interactive exhibits and can travel to schools, communities and events to bring specialized educational resources directly to learners.
"The goal of the Discovery Lab is to promote awareness and exploration of technical career fields, allow for hands-on experimentation and provide access to tools or equipment that might not be readily available in standard classroom settings," KRESA said.
The initiative, which launched during the 2023-24 school year, is part of KRESA's redesign of career and technical education in Kalamazoo County. To read more about CTE, visit
