50 students explore the role of STEM in manufacturing at RIGID’s “We Love STEM Day”

RIGID hosted “We Love STEM Day” in June for 50 local students in third through eighth grades. (Courtesy of RIGID)

RIGID, part of Emerson’s professional tool portfolio, hosted “We Love STEM Day” in June for 50 local third- through eighth-grade students, according to a press release.

The annual event, held at RIDGID’s global headquarters at 400 Clark St. in Elyria, offered young learners the opportunity to learn about the real-world role of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in important careers such as manufacturing, the release said.

Throughout the day, students participated in group projects, interactive learning games and more, the press release said.

“STEM learning encourages students to explore new ideas and solutions to real-world challenges and equips them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed as students and future professionals,” Rose Hitchens, event director and chapter lead of the RIDGID Women’s Impact Network for Emerson, said in the press release. “We enjoyed witnessing the energy the students brought to the day’s activities this year.

“Even the youngest participants had the opportunity to see how the concepts they learn in school can be applied to our daily work at RIDGID.”

The students participated in numerous hands-on activities, including building balloon cars, robotic hands, wind turbines, water filtration systems and solar-powered engines, the press release said.

Through each activity, students were able to learn about the importance of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, renewable energy and natural resources in manufacturing, the press release said.

“RIDGID is a proud supporter of local programs and education-based initiatives throughout Lorain County, including the Elyria School Makerspaces that promote STEM learning,” the press release states. “The company also partners with current and future professionals and regularly invests and donates products.”

RIGID executives have been serving on industry committees for years to help strengthen the industries, the press release states.

Emerson’s Professional Tools division, which includes RIDGID as well as the Greenlee and Klauke brands, offers the industry’s broadest portfolio of modern, reliable tools and technologies for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing industries worldwide, the press release states.

For more information, visit emerson.com/professionaltools.