Millstream completes STREAM Center

FINDLAY — Millstream Career Center has completed its $3.4 million expansion project ahead of the upcoming 2025-26 academic year. The newly constructed STREAM Center, an acronym for Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Automation and Manufacturing, will house the new Manufacturing and Industrial Robotics program and expand the existing Engineering and Robotics course. Funded by Ohio's Career Technical Construction Program, the $300 million initiative supports new building construction and equipment purchases at career technology centers statewide. Millstream has also received local support, with Marathon Petroleum Corporation and TRAK Machine Tools both donating $100,000 towards state-of-the-art equipment. The modernized equipment is meant to help students gain experience with tools used in today's workforce. "We're just super excited to not only expand opportunities for students, but also provide something that's definitely an in-demand job in the state of Ohio," Millstream Director Pam Hamlin said. The STREAM Center, with both programs filled, will have about 120 additional seats for students. Students in both programs will have the opportunity to earn the following: • High school credits • Six FANUCS Robotics Technician Certifications • 22 SACA credentials • The OhioMeansJobs — Readiness Seal and Technology Seal on their diplomas Both courses will also offer hands-on experiences in FIRST Robotics competitions. "They're both in-demand jobs and there are so many openings across the state in manufacturing, especially anything in automation and robotics," Hamlin said. "We had a very small robotics lab to begin with. With the expansion, we were able to expand that program and then add on the manufacturing program. Kids are really into robotics right now, so we've decided to take an element of robotics and incorporate it into both courses." Computer Aided Design & Robotics teacher Blake Delaney and Engineering teacher Thomas Burnworth will be leading classes starting Aug. 14, the first day of school for all Findlay City Schools students. While the programs have not been completely filled yet, Hamlin anticipates that interest will increase now that they have a dedicated space to showcase what they offer. "Our long term goal is to have kids employable and career ready," Hamlin said. "Depending on what exactly they want to do, they'll have the option to go straight into entry level robotics or manufacturing careers, or they can pursue further certifications or college degrees. That's our mission at Millstream, to have kids career-ready and be able to take that next step once they leave the doors of their high schools." An official ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held in September. Community members will be invited to tour the new facility and learn more about the programs. "We'll be introducing what that wing offers and hopefully even get some more students interested," Hamlin said.