Ivy Tech Kokomo sets free summer robotics camp for high school students

Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 12:12 PM

Area high school students will have an opportunity in June to explore automation, robotics and a possible future in high-tech manufacturing, courtesy of Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo.

Ivy Tech is sponsoring a free four-day mini-camp aimed at kick-starting a student’s interest and education in the area of Smart Manufacturing & Digital Integration (SMDI). The camp will meet from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 2 through 5, in the Industrial Technology labs at Ivy Tech Kokomo. Classes are taught by instructors with decades of experience in the advanced manufacturing industry.

Thanks to a grant from Duke Energy, there is no charge to attend the camp, which includes lunch and exposure to theory and real hands-on work through SMDI mini-classes. Registration is limited to 12 students.

“SMDI is Ivy Tech’s latest educational pathway to a career as a highly skilled automation/robotics technician in modern factories right here in the Kokomo area,” said Rich Ravas, associate professor of Automation, Robotics & Engineering Technology who joined Ivy Tech after a career in engineering at Delphi Automotive.

“This camp will offer a glimpse into the mechanical, electrical and software training included in SMDI,” Ravas said. “It’s a chance for students to find out if modern manufacturing, with interesting high-paying jobs with a future, might be something they’d like to pursue.”

The camp also will include an afternoon with representatives of companies including StarPlus Energy, Stellantis, Haynes and Small Parts to learn more about the opportunities available here in Indiana.

For more information, contact Tamara Herschberger, assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs, by email at therschberger@ivytech.edu or phone at 765-252-5490.

The registration form is available by clicking here and more information about Ivy Tech’s SMDI Pathway is available here.