Students in manufacturing classes at the Greater Lafayette Career Academy (GLCA) put their skills to the test at an Indiana Technology Student Association competition at Purdue University. The February 14-15 event provided students with hands-on learning experiences, while connecting them with peers from across the state.

GLCA instructor Hayley Grisez says this is a great opportunity for students to gain insight into STEM and technology programs. "We are competing because the in-person, hands-on experiences are the ones that help us learn the most," Grisez says. "We will also get the chance to network with other technology and CTE students from around the state. It is a great opportunity for students to try out different experiences that may help them decide what they want to do or where they want to go to school after high school."

The students prepared for the competition by completing several classroom activities. One challenge had students designing and creating a tower with printer paper that would hold 10 pennies.

While the GLCA team did not win the competition at Purdue, Grisez says they had a lot of fun and gained valuable experience. Here are how some of the teams placed:

Audio Podcast Team - 4th Place

Technology Quiz Bowl - 2nd Place

Engineering Design - 3rd Place

Manufacturing Prototype - 5th Place