Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District
February 2020
About Manufacturing Technology Academy
Manufacturing Technology Academy provides a learning environment which motivates and enables students to acquire world-class manufacturing and engineering skills while positioning them to compete and excel in the global market.
MTA is a tuition-free program offered by Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District’s Career-Tech Center for eleventh and twelfth grade students in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties. For information, call
(231) 922-6273 or visit www.tbaisd.org/career-tech-center/
Michigan Tech University Leads Career Explorers

Manufacturing Technology Academy was pleased to host Michigan Tech University students from the  Blue Marble Security team. They delivered an exciting presentation on careers in electrical engineering and allowed students to get hands-on during a circuit board workshop. The event was coordinated with   Newton’s Road  and MTA.
Acoustic Levitation Device?
We Can Build That!
MTA seniors are conducting research for their final projects and they are accomplishing some pretty interesting things! One team of students was attempting to create an acoustic levitation device and in this video, they capture the moment of success, surprise and excitement for the hands-on learning milestone.
Want to Know More About MTA?
You're Invited to Information Sessions!
Current high school sophomores are invited to join Manufacturing Technology Academy educators for parent and student information nights to learn about the challenging MTA educational experience and tour the newly-built classrooms and labs. Hear all about the program’s rigorous classes in math, science, English and economics. Also presented will be information on MTA’s technical classes in engineering and project management, robotics and automation, product design, and electrical and pneumatic systems. 

Information night sessions take place in room 413 of the new MTA wing of the Career-Tech Center located at 880 Parsons Road in Traverse City. Please RSVP for a session to Tim Wheatley at (231) 922-7846 or twheatley@tbaisd.org . See MTA application instructions below.
Join Us for a Session
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
MTA Classroom 413

  • Wed., February 12
  • Tues., February 25
  • Tues., March 10
  • Tues., March 24
How to Apply to
Manufacturing Technology Academy
It’s simple to apply... here’s how:

Mail application packet by May 1, 2020 to

TBAISD Career-Tech Center
Tim Wheatley
880 Parsons Rd.
Traverse City, MI 49686



Application packet should include:
  • MTA application with counselor comments and signature Get the application HERE
  • 9th grade and first semester 10th grade transcripts
  • One-paragraph essay explaining why the student would like to attend MTA
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Application packet due May 1, 2020

Interview   with MTA Manufacturer’s Council
Students will be contacted by MTA to schedule an interview after submitting full application packet 

Notification 
Students will be notified of their application status by MTA

Questions?  
Contact Tim Wheatley at (231) 922-7846 or  twheatley@tbaisd.org
Golf Outing Drives Great Support for MTA

The annual Grand Traverse Manufacturers’ Golf Outing brought in proceeds of more than $8,000 for MTA. The Grand Traverse Area Manufacturing Council (GTAMC) organizes the fundraising event in support of MTA's robotics program. The many groups and individuals who take part in the outing contribute to the next generation of STEM talent and manufacturing leaders for our region.
MTA Alum Spotlight
Chloe Nicholas
Class of 2019
Chloe Nicholas is a 2019 MTA and Glen Lake High School graduate and is pursuing a bachelor degree in clinical exercise science at Grand Valley State University. She plans to then attend graduate school for a career in occupational therapy.

As she reflects on her education at MTA, she notes, "I think about what I learned from MTA on a daily basis. The English skills for resume, cover letter, and technical writing were key. I also notice myself using my technical skills when it comes to problem solving." She continues, "The biggest takeaway from MTA is how far ahead I am in areas that employers require today - especially math. I feel confident and prepared to succeed."

During Chloe's time as an MTA student, she interned with the TBAISD Life Skills Center. She capitalized on her experience with the professionals there, learning to design and create functional assistive devices to attach to students' wheel chairs. She also modified a battery-powered Jeep for elementary-aged TBAISD students with disabilities to enhance their recreational experiences. The internship and supporting education at MTA inspired Chloe's drive toward a career path in occupational therapy.
Hands-On Learning with MTA Students and eFulfillment Service
MTA celebrates the addition of a new business partner for the 2019-2020 school year. We gladly welcome the Traverse City-based eFulfillment Service to our education team and we thank them for hosting groups of students for Teams Training to work on real projects on their assembly line and in the company break room.

For several days, the students worked on-site at the eFulfillment warehouse, analyzing the problems, and putting processes they learned in the MTA classroom to work for the business. 

"We didn't expect so much enthusiasm from these students," said Merry Hawley, Human Resources Manager at eFulfillment Service. "And we had no idea how inspiring that enthusiasm would be for our entire staff." Merry went on to explain that the students were very engaged with the work, in addition to providing solid answers to the challenges they tackled. 

From a practical standpoint, the students' plans resonated with Mike Claycomb, Warehouse Manager and the staffer who will implement the solutions. "We've been contemplating layout changes for efficiency for some time now," said Claycomb. "The layouts the students provided incorporated LEAN principles and addressed all the objectives we needed to meet."

The students presented their initial analysis to a full room of eFulfillment Service staff, including the executive team, and the owner and founder, John Lindberg. Impressed with the solutions, John, proclaimed, "We are absolutely doing this!"

eFulfillment Service provides end-to-end Internet fulfillment services for online retailers of all sizes. www.efulfillmentservice.com

It's Officially Robot Season!

Manufacturing Technology Academy students are meticulously building for robotics competition. The MTA teams have been formed and projects were announced:

  • Robotic workcells (2 teams)
  • Rescue robots (2 teams)
  • Autonomous vehicle (1 team)
  • Hockey Robots (1 team)

Each team presented their design briefs in January, identifying the quantitative goal for each project with detailed systems on how the goals would be approached. They are now in the prototype build phase, which will be presented on February 19 for critique.

The next several weeks will be packed full of continued building and learning! MTA students have a great track record of success in competition at National Robotics Challenge, and 2020 will be no exception!
Join in the Support for MTA Robotics

No matter how you are impacted by the MTA, you probably know the quality of education we provide to area high school students through our exemplary academics designed to prepare them with the skills they need to excel in college and in the workforce. One integral part of the curriculum that hones their academic, problem-solving and leadership skills is the MTA senior capstone project.

As our robotics projects intensify and students dig in to build the next champion robot, we invite you to consider contributing to this signature MTA experience. Each year MTA robotics teams travel to the National Robotics Challenge in Marion, Ohio in April, which is a costly but worthwhile endeavor. Any support you may be willing to provide would be deeply appreciated. See flyer below.

Thank you for your involvement with the TBAISD Manufacturing Technology Academy and we look forward to continued educational advances to empower young people, encourage growth, and support the local economy.
MTA Interns a Win-Win
for Businesses

Manufacturing Technology Academy welcomes businesses and organizations to get involved with MTA by hosting interns. MTA students are well-equipped to flourish and make real contributions to organizations. The search is underway now for businesses willing to offer summer internship opportunities. For information, contact Debby Oliver at doliver@tbaisd.org.
MTA is Social!

Stay in touch with MTA happenings on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. From student accomplishments to career opportunities, it's a great way to learn more and stay in touch.

Get IN with MTA's Community

Did you know Manufacturing Technology Academy has a community page on the professional social media network, Linkedin. It's a robust collection of over 100 members who are current students and alums of MTA, business and industry leaders, teachers, professors and more. Connect with the community here and get in touch with career and internship opportunities, alumni networking, student presentation events, and more!

Thankful Recognition
Special thanks to the industry partners who contribute resources and expertise in support of MTA’s mission. As a result, our students thrive in a rich learning environment with hands-on, collaborative experiences.
MTA Contacts
MTA Main Phone
(231) 922-7859 

MTA Guidance Board President &
Production Supervisor, Kennametal
Josh Hart

TBAISD Assistant Superintendent
Career Technical Education
Pat Lamb
Sponsors Welcome
MTA is always seeking sponsors and grant opportunities. If you are an individual or company interested in collaborating, please contact Debby Oliver at (231) 922-7845 or doliver@tbaisd.org.