HCTC, local school district team up to transform engineering education

Published on Dec 9, 2024

A groundbreaking partnership between Hazard Community & Technical College (HCTC) and Jackson Independent School District (JISD) is revolutionizing robotics education, giving students a chance to turn cutting-edge three-dimensional (3D) printing technology into real-world success. 

Before partnering with HCTC,  Sarah Trent, who recently achieved HCTC's Pathfinder Award, guided JISD students as they began competing in robotics competitions during the 2023-24 academic year as the Robot Gladiator League. These competitions allow them to combat the robots they design, build and program against those of peers from other schools.

"It took so long to put them together during their first year. The students attended competitions, but their robots were far from ready to compete with the larger schools in Kentucky. But after we began partnering with HCTC, it changed the game," she said. "In fact, we recently beat one larger school by 90 points. We want them to succeed. This partnership is making it possible."

Gideon Bowling, now in his second year as a competitor, said the partnership has expanded the team's ability to engage competitively.

"We've got access to so many tools, the availability of tools has changed for us," he said. "Last year, we built our robots in the back half of our library. Now, we've got a whole classroom full of machines."

Kash Lovely echoed these sentiments, explaining that the equipment at HCTC has been helpful.

"We have more room here and access to machines like the [computer numerical code] CNC one, which lets us cut materials with precision. We're testing and trying new things," he said. "I never imagined this would be possible, but we're really getting things done."

Manufacturing Engineering Technology Program Coordinator Gary Smith instructs these dual-credit students enrolled in his introductory computer-aided design course. They apply the lessons they learn from him as they build components for their robots and utilize industry-leading equipment as part of the process.

"Our students are able to use $50,000 machines now. They're learning skills that allow them to elevate their robotics program. As these students learn more about the possibilities of this field, they want to continue. Many of them are interested in careers in engineering," Trent said. "Gary's contributions are life-changing."

According to Smith, the field offers endless career opportunities. He also mentioned the uniqueness of this partnership in the Appalachian region of Kentucky.  

"People use equipment like ours at HCTC for a variety of purposes, from personal to professional. Additive manufacturing is opening doors for people across eastern Kentucky to a career that we didn't see years ago. People are starting their own businesses and making a living by selling 3D-printed materials," he said. "This partnership is a new idea, too. It's really nice to be one part of it as these students compete with much larger schools. I see them winning a state championship in the future."

Curtis Minix, a first-year competitor, explained that taking the course has helped him learn quickly.

"All of this is a little confusing, and it was for me at first," Minix said. "My teammates have shown me the functions of the machines, how to use 3D printing programs, and how to use the manufacturing equipment. Gary has been so helpful, too."

Jackson Independent School District will host a public competition, the second for this year's team, on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 10:00 a.m., in its gymnasium. Admission for children is free, while adult admission is $3.00. The team will continue to compete in multiple tournaments as they aim to qualify for the state competition later this academic year. 

The league’s team members include, in alphabetical order by last name: 

• Gideon Bowling;

• Cooper Bradley;

• Justin Combs;

• Dayne Cotton;

• Brady Harris;

• Kash Lovely; and

• Curtis Minix. 

Visit the Hazard Community & Technical College Dual Credit webpage to learn more about dual credit opportunities at HCTC. Visit the Hazard Community & Technical College Manufacturing Engineering Technology webpage to learn more about the program at HCTC's Lees College Campus.