Shoals High School student Isaac Johnson’s experience at ROI’s free Soldering Camp led him to the realization that this precise, hands-on skill would help him if he wanted to work in engineering – or more specifically: On airplanes.
“This camp changed the way I think about technology and future careers,” Johnson said.
Johnson was one of 10 high school students enrolled in the June certification program held at Artisan Electronics in the WestGate@Crane Technology Park. Sponsored by Regional Opportunity Initiatives, this hands-on training provided students with a head start in high-demand fields such as microelectronics, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and more.
Over the course of five days, students learned to solder components onto a circuit board. When completed, the board lit up to show a ‘heartbeat’ pattern. Applying pressure triggered a light that chased around the edge of the board. At the end of the five days, students earned the industry-recognized IPC J-STD-001 certification, gaining valuable skills for future roles in innovative industries.
The certification program was just as meaningful for some parents as it was for their children. Lindsey Douglas said she enjoyed hearing about the new skills her son learned at camp—and seeing the newfound confidence that came with them.
“As a parent, I am grateful that my child had the opportunity to take part in the high school soldering certification camp,” she said.
“This certification can provide a competitive edge and valuable skills that will serve him well in his educational pathway and future journey.”
Shoals High School student Asher Wright said the camp was a valuable experience for him, and that he especially enjoyed learning PCB soldering—attaching electronic components to a printed circuit board.
“I had fun. This camp changed the way I think about technology by giving me a look at what it takes to make different electronics work,” Wright said.
“Igniting students’ interest in advanced technologies —and how they connect to future careers in the Indiana Uplands—is exactly the kind of outcome this camp was designed to achieve,” said Michi McClaine, ROI’s Vice President of Talent Development.
“Programs like the high school soldering certification camp are powerful examples of what’s possible when students in the Indiana Uplands are given hands-on opportunities to explore,” McClaine continued. “For many, this camp sparked new ideas about future careers—and for some, it ignited a passion for fields right here in our region. That kind of exposure is critical to building both confidence and a skilled talent pipeline.”
The spark continued this month for adults. Military members, veterans, and spouses attended a five-day soldering certification training from July 21 to 25. To learn more, check out ROI’s microelectronics education and workforce initiatives.
School’s out—for real. It’s the very last day of school, and for the first time in months there’s no bedtime, no homework, and nowhere to be tomorrow morning. So stay out, stay up, and come play at WonderLab!
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Free admission 9am – 8pm | Street Party 3pm – 8pm
About Summer Blast Off at WonderLab in Bloomington
Spend the day exploring hands-on science, building, experimenting, and following your curiosity wherever it leads. As the sun goes down, the celebration expands outdoors—WonderLab stays open late. Local organizations, vendors, and food join the fun, inviting families to enjoy every moment of the first night of summer.
Enjoy free admission all day, 9am–8pm, and don’t miss the Street Party from 3pm–8pm. Summer starts here—let’s play late.
Free Admission and Supplies sponsored by Rotary Club of Bloomington
On September 29, regional leaders, educators, students, and industry partners came together at WestGate@Crane Technology Park to celebrate the launch of the Indiana Uplands Microelectronics Training Hub. This milestone marks the beginning of a new era of opportunity for students and workers across the region, creating a direct pathway into one of the most critical and fast-growing industries in the world.
The Hub is the first facility of its kind in the Uplands, designed to deliver hands-on, industry-aligned ME training with modern lab spaces and equipment, a clean-room environment, and direct connections to defense and technology partners. It offers an unparalleled learning experience that equips students with both credentials and real-world skills.
The event also featured the first Indiana Uplands ME Academy student signing, where students formally committed to pursuing microelectronics training and career pathways, underscoring the direct impact the ME Training Hub is already having on the region’s talent pipeline.
The Training Hub and ME Academy represent cornerstones of MOMENTUM: Indiana Uplands Microelectronics Workforce Development, ROI’s comprehensive initiative to build a talent pipeline for careers in microelectronics.