Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs and Edge Factor Ignite the Maker Spirit in 15 Schools

The year 2020 is fast approaching and research shows that unless a major shift occurs, approx. 3.5 million manufacturing jobs will be left unfilled as baby boomers retire. Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT), the foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA), and Edge Factor are excited to announce their continued partnership to inspire the next generation of makers, reach parents and build the manufacturing pipeline. The team at NBT identified 15 strategic schools from 12 states and, through subscription grant awards, are equipping the schools with access to Edge Factor’s platform of cinematic media and interactive resources, called eduFACTOR.

This library of tools empowers teachers to inspire students to pursue Career and Technical Education (CTE) and careers in advanced manufacturing, reach parents to change perceptions and raise awareness of manufacturing careers and make STEAM learning relevant.

“We use eduFACTOR to show future students the possibilities of a career in Manufacturing and Engineering. Students and prospective students respond to the videos and the topics that are presented by eduFACTOR.” Fay Aubuchon, Associate Dean, Workforce Programs and Services, St. Charles Community College, Cottleville, Mo.

Edge Factor’s film and TV productions are the catalyst for inspiration on eduFACTOR, as they merge Hollywood visuals with cinematic storytelling and open the door for more in-depth learning moments. For every story, the content developers at Edge Factor publish accompanying resources on eduFACTOR including career pathway and technology “what is” videos with interactive and parent activities, videos and lesson plans for science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) classes, CNC machining and 3D printing projects, turnkey event kits, virtual field trip videos, STEAM tours, and much more.

The data driven team at Edge Factor operate with a structured freedom to push the boundaries of creative solutions in communities across North America. Members of eduFACTOR have access to powerful metrics, that gauge the impact of their events and provide insights on their audiences’ responses.

“Empowering educators to reach beyond the “choir”, eduFACTOR brings manufacturing to life in STEAM classrooms that would normally never be exposed to it,” said Larissa Hofman, VP of Edge Factor. “The students of today are seeking relevancy in what they learn and teachers are tired of hearing students ask, ‘When will I ever use this in real life?’ With eduFACTOR, we can make STEAM relevant, as we show how teams of makers use STEAM to create game changing products and push back the edge of what’s possible.”

“The NBT/FMA continues to be a tremendous champion in workforce development and we are proud to link arms with them in the mission to raise up the next generation of makers,” said Jeremy Bout, Producer/ Host of Edge Factor. “They are truly an amazing team, leading the charge and working tirelessly to help their network and manufacturing industries as a whole to advance and grow.”

The 2017 grant recipients are:

• Bismarck State College – Bismarck, N.D.
• Clinton Community College – Plattsburgh, N.Y.
• College of the Canyons – Santa Clarita, Calif.
• College of the Sequoias – Tulare, Calif.
• Dallas Country Community College District – Dallas
• Georgia Trade School – Atlanta
• Kirkwood Community College – Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Manchester Community College – Manchester, N.H.
• Moraine Park Technical College – Beaver Dam, Wis.
• Moraine Park Technical College – Fond du Lac, Wis.
• NE Alabama Community College – Rainsville, Ala.
• St. Charles Community College – Cottleville, Mo.
• Thomas Nelson Community College – Hampton, Va.
• Triton College – River Grove, Ill.
• Yuba College – Marysville, Calif.

About eduFACTOR

Through its educational division, eduFACTOR, the Edge Factor team has created a comprehensive educational program designed to inspire the next generation of inventors, entrepreneurs and manufacturers, which is distributed via schoolwide subscriptions.  Hundreds of North American high schools and colleges currently subscribe to this program. eduFACTOR provides tech teachers with turnkey, hands-on Maker Projects, Interactive Labs, Career and Technical Lesson Plans, and more. It also assists guidance counselors as they work with students to make informed career decisions.

For more information, please contact Larissa Hofman at lhofman@edgefactor.com.