As students across Indiana ease into summer break, hundreds in the Greater Lafayette region are stepping into something a little more hands-on: manufacturing labs filled with programmable robots, 3D printers, circuit boards, coding challenges and industry activities related to the manufacturing process.
This week marks the fourth session of Robotics in Manufacturing Week, a flagship initiative by Greater Lafayette Commerce that transforms a week of summer vacation into a high-tech, career-shaping experience for students in grades K-8. Since its start in 2019 with 66 students, the program has grown steadily each year, with 230 participants last year. The week-long camps run from May 27 through July 11 at multiple sites across Tippecanoe and Warren counties.
“Manufacturing isn’t just one type of job—it’s like an entire city,” said Kara Webb, workforce
development director at Greater Lafayette Commerce. “We want our students to understand that and
see themselves in those careers—as engineers, creatives, designers or skilled technicians. This camp
gives them that first spark.”
Designed to demystify the world of modern manufacturing, the program invites kids to explore the innovations powering the local economy and offers a chance to start learning the skills themselves. From building circuits to programming robots to navigating mazes, students interact with technology not just as consumers but as creators. It’s summer camp, reimagined for a 21st-century workforce.
Each week-long camp is built around rotating activity stations, where students engage with tools like KaiBots, micro:bits, manual and electrical circuit building, and 3D printing software—skills that mirror those found on the floors of regional manufacturers. At the Industry station, campers experience different steps of the manufacturing process, with simulated work partnerships, logistical processes and assembly line production, helping students connect what they’re learning to what’s happening in Greater Lafayette’s booming advanced manufacturing sector.
“It’s really special to see students when they first encounter something new—like a robot that moves because they programmed it. You can almost see their thinking expand in real time,” said Kelli Klyczek, summer camp program manager for Greater Lafayette Commerce. “The skills they’re learning, especially coding and problem-solving, aren’t just for a specific job; these are tools they can use for the
rest of their lives, no matter what career path they choose.”
The program is part of a long-term workforce strategy. By introducing students early to the technology, language, and logic of manufacturing, Greater Lafayette Commerce is laying the foundation for a futureready workforce.
Currently underway at Lafayette Family YMCA, the program continues throughout the summer with
additional sessions still open for registration to surrounding counties:
• June 23–27: McAllister Recreation Center, Grades 5–7
• June 30–July 3: McAllister Recreation Center, Grades 3–4
• July 7–11: Summer Knights Camp, Grades 1–5
Robotics in Manufacturing Camp is made possible through partnerships with community organizations and investments from several sponsors including Caterpillar Inc., the City of Lafayette, CityBus–GLPTC, Dana Lafayette Manufacturing Co., Duke Energy, Evonik Corporation Tippecanoe Laboratories, Geenex Solar LLC, Ivy Tech Community College, Kirby Risk Corporation, Primient, SAAB — West Lafayette, SDI Innovations, Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc., Tate & Lyle, Tippecanoe County Government, Tipmont, and Trinitas Ventures.
To learn more, visit bit.ly/RoboticsInManufacturingCamp.
About Greater Lafayette Commerce
Headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana, Greater Lafayette Commerce (GLC) has been the region’s
premier chamber of commerce and economic development organization since 1927. By uniting
business, education, government and civic partners, GLC drives growth, supports local enterprises
and enhances the quality of life in Greater Lafayette. Learn more at greaterlafayettecommerce.com.