Riverside Middle School is proud to announce it has been awarded the prestigious Doosan Bobcat Discovery Grant, providing the school with the opportunity to purchase a state-of-the-art Epilog Laser Engraver. This cutting-edge technology is already transforming student learning and expanding opportunities in design and pre-engineering/advanced manufacturing skills.
Bobcat offers grants to schools to support STEM Education in communities where it has operating plants or offices. The company states, “We proudly support classroom projects focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) because we firmly believe in the communities we serve and know that STEM fields are vital to the future of our company."
To celebrate this exciting addition, Riverside Middle School hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony with representatives from Doosan Bobcat, staff, and students. During the event, students demonstrated their newly developed skills by showcasing a variety of laser-engraved projects, highlighting both their creativity and technical growth in a short period of time.
The introduction of laser engraving technology at the middle school level provides students with early exposure to real-world manufacturing processes and career pathways. Through hands-on experiences, students learn how to design using digital tools, understand material properties, and operate precision equipment safely and effectively. These experiences not only build technical skills but also foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity - essential competencies for future careers in skilled trades, engineering, and design.
“The impact of this grant has been immediate and profound,” said Anna Vitale, Riverside Middle School Technology Education teacher. “The scope of what our students have been able to design and create, in just the short time we have had the laser engraver, has expanded exponentially. Students are more engaged than ever, taking ownership of their learning and pushing the boundaries of what they can accomplish.”
Riverside Middle School extends its sincere gratitude to Doosan Bobcat for investing in the future of students and supporting innovative educational opportunities. The Discovery Grant has empowered students with tools and experiences that will have a lasting impact on their academic and career journeys.
As Riverside continues to integrate advanced technology into the classroom, the school remains committed to preparing students with the skills, confidence, and creativity needed to succeed in an ever-evolving world.