Rocket Academy celebrates new Advanced Technology Learning Center opening Thursday | Washington Co. Business News

BELGIUM — Rocket Academy, a tuition-free public charter high school for 11th- and 12th-grade students focusing on technical manufacturing and employability skills, celebrated the opening of its new Advanced Technology Learning Center, at 255 Lakeview Drive, with an open house event on Thursday.

According to a news release, attendees at the event had the opportunity to interact with key Rocket Academy stakeholders, including the governance council, Cedar Grove-Belgium school board members and regional educational partners from Lakeland University, Lakeshore College and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Attendees also got to hear from current high school students participating in youth apprenticeships at regional employers, where students are working in precision machining technology, welding and building trades fundamentals with a focus on heating and cooling.

The event also featured opportunities to interact with the technology that Rocket Academy students use as part of their daily education, including hands-on learning and demonstration stations covering HVAC (heating, ventilation & air conditioning), machining, mechatronics and welding.

“Our staff, students and business partners are thrilled with the opening of the new Advanced Technology Learning Center in Belgium,” said Rocket Academy Governance Council President Mike Dietrich. “Our new lab space will allow Rocket Academy to provide state of the art, hands-on learning opportunities in precision machining, welding fabrication, HVAC and electromechanical technology.” According to Rachel Kroeplien, dean of Applied Technology/ Economic Development at Lakeshore College, the dual-enrollment process provides high school students with industry certifications and college credits, as each of Rocket Academy’s pathways directly reflect a degree diploma offered by Lakeshore College, giving students the opportunity to earn college credit now.

Rocket Academy Director David Friend also explained that Rocket Academy students participate in a youth apprenticeship program throughout the entire academic year with a local business.

“The Youth Apprenticeship provides high school students with real world skills, and socializes them into the culture of work,” said Friend. “Between the experiences of learning at Lakeshore College, observing different skills through our manufacturing facility site visits, and their hands-on YA — our students are set-up for success.”

Rocket Academy is in the Cedar Grove-Belgium School District but is open to any student who wants to experience hands-on learning and prepare for a successful career in manufacturing.

For more information, visit rocketacademywi.org or contact David Friend at 920-668-8686.