BUCYRUS, OH — Bucyrus City Schools (BCS) eighth-grade students took part in a unique, hands-on learning experience on Friday, October 3, as part of National Manufacturing Day. As part of the district’s True North, Navigating Students to Career Success, the event was a collaboration between the Regional Manufacturing Coalition (RMC), and students from The Ohio State University Mansfield Engineering Club, which is a student chapter of the ISA Columbus Section.
The activity invited students to “manufacture” a product using LEGO bricks, simulating a production line to learn about teamwork, efficiency, and quality control—all critical elements of modern manufacturing. Students also analyzed ways to improve the process, mirroring real-world problem-solving and continuous improvement practices used in manufacturing industries.
“This kind of hands-on learning brings classroom lessons to life,” said Kelly Stine, Career Exploration teacher at Bucyrus City Schools. “By engaging with local industry partners and college students, our eighth graders can see how creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving directly apply to future careers. It’s inspiring to see them work like engineers.”
The project was part of the district’s True North program, a district-wide approach that creates a seamless PreK–12 system of career-connected learning. Through True North, Bucyrus City Schools seeks to inspire, equip, and empower all learners to navigate their futures with confidence, purpose, and skill—while also ensuring that every Bucyrus staff member becomes a certified Career Connections Advisor or Ambassador through the district’s partnership with Team NEO.
Bob Britton, Superintendent of Bucyrus City Schools, emphasized the importance of partnerships in advancing the district’s vision. “True North is about giving every student direction and purpose through meaningful career exploration,” Britton said. “Our partnerships with organizations like RMC and OSU Mansfield help us build those opportunities.”
Leslie Brenner of the Regional Manufacturing Coalition shared her excitement about the collaboration. “Manufacturing Day gives students a chance to experience the innovation and teamwork that define our industry,” Brenner said. “Working with Bucyrus City Schools on the True North project allows us to connect students to real-world manufacturing skills early on, helping build the next generation of industry leaders.”
The event was coordinated by Amber Rader of The Ohio State University Mansfield, who noted the impact of community partnerships in education. “We love seeing university students and middle schoolers working side by side,” Rader said. “Our Engineering Club members were thrilled to lead this experience and show younger students that engineering is creative, hands-on, and rewarding.”
OSU Engineering Club leaders Alex Rathburn and Colton Blevins, who guided the activity, said they enjoyed sharing their passion for problem-solving. “It was great to watch the students take ownership of the process,” Rathburn said. “They started thinking like engineers—how can we make this faster, better, more efficient?” added Blevins.
About Bucyrus City Schools
Guided by their vision of True North: Navigating Students to Career Success, Bucyrus City Schools is redefining career readiness through a seamless PreK–12 system of career-connected learning. This district-wide approach inspires, equips, and empowers all learners to navigate their futures with confidence, purpose, and skill.
Media Contact:
Amy Wood
Career Project Director
Bucyrus City Schools
awood@bucyrusschools.org