Eaton Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) celebrated the completion of its 2026 Inclusion in Manufacturing Camp, "Picture the Possibilities," a program designed to introduce high school and post high school-aged students with special needs, disabilities or other barriers to employment to careers in manufacturing.
The camp was made possible through a $25,000 grant from SparkForce, the charitable foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA). SparkForce's mission is to inspire, attract and support individuals in discovering an interest in manufacturing and to encourage their pursuit of a manufacturing career.
Six students completed the program, which included three weeks of job readiness training, hands-on experience with power tools, soft skills development and extensive safety training.
With classroom and shop training complete, students moved into the next phase of the program, three-week, on-site work experiences at various Alro Steel Corporation locations.
“We are thankful for the partnership with Alro and the unique experiences they give students to apply what they've learned in a real manufacturing environment while building practical skills and connections that can lead to long-term employment,” said Sarah Mida, Sparkforce project director.
In addition to valuable skills and confidence, students earned their OSHA 10 General Industry Certification as well as a stipend for their on-site work with Alro Steel.
The SparkForce Manufacturing Camp is one of many work-based learning programs offered by the Eaton RESA Transition Program including Giving Eaton County Kids Opportunity (GECKO) and Creative Pulp, the paper and card shop operated by students selling products they make.
