(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Dec. 5, 2017) - - - Mount Pleasant and Columbia Central High Schools recently hosted an open house to showcase the successful mechatronics partnership with Columbia State Community College that provides mechatronics-based dual-credit courses.

Through the program, students have the opportunity to earn their high school diploma, a technical certificate and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Engineering Systems Technology at the same time.

Community representatives from Mount Pleasant, Columbia and Columbia State attended the open houses to learn more about the program's evolution since its inception.

"We believe in vocational education," said Dr. Ryan B. Jackson, MPHS principal. "We believe in programs such as mechatronics because we want to be a part of that frontline leadership that fills those positions. When people ask me why do I advocate so strongly for programs like mechatronics, it is because I want our kids to have opportunities for those jobs that we know will be available - programs and labs like this, make those opportunities possible."

Dr. Dearl Lampley, Columbia State dean of the Science, Technology and Mathematics Division, explained that there is a high demand for students with this skill set in the workforce.

"We have an awesome program going here," said Roger White, CHS principal. "This is something good for our students and the citizens of Maury County."

A panel of mechatronics students from each school discussed the program, the skills they have been working on and what they enjoy most about the program. A question and answer session was held, as well as a hands-on demonstration with the mechatronics equipment.

"It is so much fun to see these students so actively engaged," said Shelia Butt, Tennessee State Representative. "One young lady said it made her feel empowered to be a part of the mechatronics program and I just want the people of Maury county to know that this is our LEAP dollars at work."

Columbia State's EST program is designed to prepare graduates for many different careers related to manufacturing with an emphasis on technology, critical thinking and problem solving. Students take courses in the basic fundamentals of engineering technology and move to very advanced applications including robotics. To learn more about the EST program, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/EST or contact Mehran Mostajir at 931.540.2711 or mmostajir@ColumbiaState.edu.

Photo Caption: Mount Pleasant open house students and attendees engage in a discussion about the mechatronics program.


Photo Caption: Columbia Central High School students demonstrate their knowledge of the mechatronics equipment with Dr. Dearl Lampley, Columbia State dean of the Science, Technology and Mathematics Division.