At the start of the 2022 school year Sterling High School saw full implementation of a new Mech Lab. This state of the art hands-on learning space brings application of learning to Sterling High School in variety of new ways. Previously, high school students may have needed access to lab spaces for computers or tablets, but today Sterling High School puts this advanced technology in the hands of every student through its one to one MacBook Air program. In 2022, a new kind of lab experience was needed at Sterling High School. With the addition of the Mech Lab students now have access to welding booths, small engines, basic electricity and wiring, and all the tools utilized by contractors to build everything from furniture to a home.
In response to students desires and community needs Sterling High School developed this diverse hands-on lab space to provide students who are interested in pursuing vocational training upon graduation from Sterling High School a space to explore their interests. Each skill taught in the Mech Lab leads directly to a certificate program either at Whiteside Area Vocational Center or Sauk Valley Community College. In fact, after the first year of implementation Sterling High School in partnership with Sauk Valley Community College and Frantz Manufacturing will provide students a certificate in Multicraft Technology. Sterling High School has 5 students entering this new program in August of 2022. These students will receive instruction in the areas Alternative Energy, Electrical, Electronics, HVAC, and Welding. This partnership is a great example of how the high school, work force, and community college work hand in hand to meet the needs of both the students of Sterling High School and the community of Sterling, Illinois.
Sterling High School looks forward to continually advancing the technology available to students in the Mech Lab. Next year, through a donation from the Sterling Schools Foundation a computer numerical control (CNC) machine will be installed. Students will utilize design programs on their Macs to create and replicate parts needed to solve issues related to part shortages and robot design. Innovation and responsiveness to student needs are at the heart of what makes Sterling High School a place “Where kids Achieve!”