The Ignition Lab
The Ignition Lab is a workforce development program where 100 students ages 14 to 18 spend time each week
getting real-world experience in fields ranging from culinary arts to automotive and engineering.
The lab opened in Fall 2021 in an old muffler shop purchased for the project by Eighty-Seven and Running.
Graphic Design
Students become proficient in the same programs that professional graphic artists use, creating logos, posters and marketing campaigns and learning to screen-print apparel with their designs.
Mechatronics
Students learn to design, build, and program robots to compete in challenges as well as how to solder, wire, and program microcontrollers to make a variety of devices such as lie detectors, keyboards, and electronic art.
Green Tech
Green tech students grow hydroponic gardens, use solar cells to power toys and small appliances, measure and capture wind energy and study the environmental impact of fossil fuels vs. alternative energy. They also host a hydroponic farm.
Computer Technology
Students learn to work with PCs for People learning to take apart and assemble PCs and laptops, diagnose problems and repair or replace parts.
Fabrication
Students use a variety of tools such as the CNC Router, drill press, saws, and other manufacturing equipment to make furniture, art, prototypes and much more.
Product Design
Product design students use computer-aided design software for 2D and 3D modeling to use laser cutters and 3D printers.
Automotive Engineering
Automotive and engineering students work with MINDDRIVE to learn welding, build Electrathon cars and restore vintage cars by converting them to electric drive trains.
Culinary Arts
Culinary Arts students learn the fundamentals of food preparation, sanitation and safety, then add business skills, such as menu creation, ingredient sourcing and marketing, to prepare to offer catering and operate a food truck.
Entrepreneurship
Students learn the four facets of business: research and development, finance, operations and marketing through entrepreneuial ventures and business plans. Other labs involved in Entrepreneurship are Green Tech, Culinary, Computer Tech Repair, Product Design, Fabrication and Graphic Design.
Digital Media Recording and Podcasting Studio
Digital media students write and record podcasts, shoot and edit videos and compose and produce music, gaining the skills needed to create quality content for clients.
Esports
The esports program lead my Minddrive, offers students a unique opportunity to develop critical skills through competive gaming. They are learning real-time decision making, strategic plannning, teamwork and problem solving. The experiences with esports will give them valuable skills that will transfer to many areas of life.
