USD 265 Goddard Public Schools -

The students in Dr. Tim Pinkerton’s Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Engineering class at Goddard High School didn’t know what to expect when WSU Tech’s FutureMaker Mobile Learning Lab rolled onto campus. The 60-foot truck and trailer, brimming with cutting-edge technology, brought a world of possibilities to the eager students. Focusing specifically on trade coursework and future career opportunities, the FutureMaker Lab staff unpacked interactive exhibits to provide students with a hands-on glimpse of the careers that await them after graduation. This goes hand-in-hand with the distinct focus on Career & Technical Education (CTE) within Goddard Public Schools. Engineering and Applied Mathematics is just one of the 17 total CTE Pathways offered in USD 265.


Pinkerton had several engineering classes join for the FutureMaker Lab activities, including Engineering Essentials, Introduction to Engineering Design, and Civil Engineering and Architecture. From robotic dogs to virtual reality (VR) stations for painting, drone flight, and even welding, this experiential learning lab shows the parallels between students’ current engineering coursework and how that impacts what careers they may be in one day. Students donned VR headsets to try their hand at professional painting or welding, while others programmed virtual drones to navigate obstacle courses and digital landscapes. As students navigated between FutureMaker Lab stations, they began to recognize the diverse and dynamic options that the future offered.


“This is a great benefit for students, as well as for families in the community,” shared Greg Schmidt, Director of the FutureMaker Mobile Learning Lab. “This brings some reality to the picture because we talk to the students realistically about wages, career readiness, what that means for these fields, and what jobs like these would entail.” From artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity to renewable energy and biotechnology, the multitude of options available following graduation sparked a collective sense of potential and excitement in the room. The FutureMaker Lab visit isn’t just about cool gadgets and high-tech toys. WSU Tech’s FutureMaker Mobile Learning Lab representatives were on hand to guide students at each station, answer questions, and provide direction on pursuing careers in engineering and technology. They shared their own experiences and highlighted the growing demand for skilled workers in these fields. 


“We want to encourage them to try new things,” continued Schmidt. “Our goal is to provide them with real-world expectations and an experience that they can trust exists in the career space, and that they very well might have a future in!” Students left inspired and empowered, with a newfound appreciation for the exciting world beyond high school.  Bringing learning to life through experiential learning opportunities like this is just one of the ways that Goddard CTE and PLTW educators partner with organizations in the area to provide excellent resources, experiences and options.


“I wanted to bring this great experience to GHS to let my students get exposure to it,” shared Pinkerton. “I have some students who are drawn to my classes, but don’t want to pursue a four-year engineering degree. This helps show them some other options out there that are in related fields where they can get a certificate in a year or a two-year degree that leads to a well-paying career.”  Educational opportunities like these provide students with unique perspectives and the chance to explore cutting-edge technology, learn about potential career paths, and discover their own passion within the vast field of engineering. The program is sure to leave a lasting impression on these aspiring young minds, shaping their futures and propelling them toward exciting careers in the ever-evolving world of technology. “I encourage students who want to become engineers to experience hands-on projects as much as possible,” concluded Pinkerton. “I feel engineers are more well-rounded if they understand better how things are built and how others will assemble their designs. I hope this experience gives my students a small taste of that.”