OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — Over the course of a year, a program at Oak Ridge Schools effectively gives students the chance to play a role in the development of a local business that offers services to other local businesses.
It's called the "Wildcat Manufacturing" program and earned the school district a 2024 Award for Excellence in Education from the Tennessee School Boards Association. The award is presented annually to Boards of Education for creating an innovative program.
It was the second time Oak Ridge Schools earned the award in around 5 years, according to a release from the school district.
The Wildcat Manufacturing program connects students with local businesses, organizations and individuals. The students offer them design, manufacturing or automation services.
Students go through interviews to become "employees" of Wildcat Manufacturing. After going through the interview process, students oversee all aspects of the "business," including discovering customers, project management, product design, cost estimation, manufacturing, delivery and billing.
It also gives students a chance to get Dual Enrollment credit with Roane State Community College, according to a release from Oak Ridge Schools.
The program began in 2022 when students connected with a company and generated around $300 in revenue. Over the following 2 years, students executed 26 contracts with 18 companies and made around $37,200 in revenue.
