The First Steps toward a Project that started in the Minds Eye of a guy that never completed high school were a reality on 11/13/2019 at Moline High School. A State of the Art CNC Lab opened with a fully accredited Department of Labor Apprenticeship program matched with a degree curriculum at Blackhawk College.
Tim Miner, a self taught 40 year machinist die sinker and forging die specialist saw a need, and had a desire to give back and like all people that are driven by a need to succeed, he took action.
Joel Ryser a retired art and came to Tim with an idea to build a glass blowing center for Veterans. Ryser previous an Art/Family Arts/Music/ Industrial Tech/ Business teacher at Moline High school saw the need and the stress relief it brought to unruly kids and individuals suffering from PTSD disorder. Having dealt with at risk youth first hand he knew what helped, support, encouragement and gratification are the cornerstones for Hot Glass
Hot Glass is a fully independent facility for at risk youth and veterans. It provides veterans and youth socialization, team building and a place to hang out. After speaking with Joel, Tim took action….He got volunteers and they built all the equipment. Today it is a gathering place of good will and peace of mind for veterans and youth alike.
Once they Got Hot Glass going they looked back to Moline high and said “What if “? Again Tim got the ball rolling and brought the group together and they looked forward to how to bring manufacturing back to their community through a lab that promoted the trade.
Trista Sanders a hands on principal took the reins and got donors Hunt and Diane Davis to donate the lion share needed to fund the machinery. John Deere helped by providing Fanuc simulators. When the bid process began Neway and Rock Solid Tools were invited to bid. Rick Rojek saw an opportunity to Do the Right Thing.
Neway and Rock Solid Tools made it possible to buy 4 machines instead of 1 and 1/2 machines by making the machines VERY, VERY, affordable. “Its important that we invest in our future now” said Rojek.
Todd Thompson ( shop Instructor) works hard to bring the most to the kids. Last year they taught G code with pen and paper. This year they will be using Simulators and actually be programming machines.
Rock Solid Tools decided to provided real production style cnc machines not just learner light versions. Real machines so they could be used to produce parts for local businesses and Self -fund future projects with revenues.
Moline high and the Department of Labor partnered with area businesses to provide certified apprenticeship programs for area youth to learn and earn while they are learning. Look for more of this as Rock solid partners with other educators and business partners alike in the future.
The Future is Now Help Be a Part of It…..Donate , Time Money or Expertise its the Right thing to Do !!
