News Release

LARWILL — Whitko Community Schools and OrthoWorx have announced the upcoming launch of the ManufacturED program that will be available to students during the 2025-2026 school year.

In partnership with three local manufacturers — C&A Tool Inc.,  Micropulse Inc. and Paragon Ametek — the program will be offered to a select group of junior and senior manufacturing pathway students at the Whitko Career Academy. Through the program, students will have the opportunity to gain fundamental manufacturing skills, hands-on experience and an internship opportunity with one of the industry partners.

“Micropulse is excited for the launch of the ManufacturED program,” said Baily Beiswanger, human resources manager at Micropulse. “Manufacturing is truly alive and well in northeast Indiana, and we look forward to supporting a program that is centered around machining.

“While the program is housed at the Whitko Career Academy, it will blend students from multiple high schools and offer them one consistent program,” Beiswanger added. “Students will experience hands-on curriculum coupled with real-world support from local companies. We are optimistic that this program will grow into something that will benefit the students and the community for years to come.”

The goal of the program is to engage high school students in immersive work-based learning experiences through high-tech industry influenced curriculum, shaping them for careers in advanced manufacturing. Students will gain greater understanding of career options within the manufacturing sector in the region and the opportunities that exist within the established industry of orthopedics right here in the community.

“The Whitko Career Academy is excited to provide our students with this unique opportunity to blend academic learning and real-world experience,” said Sandy Benedict, Work-Based Learning specialist at the Whitko Career Academy. “This collaboration with leading local manufacturers is a significant step in bridging the gap between education and industry, offering our juniors and seniors an invaluable opportunity to develop hands-on skills and gain insights into the world of advanced manufacturing, setting them on a path to success in a rapidly evolving industry.”

The program rounds out the hands-on manufacturing education available to juniors and seniors throughout Kosciusko County. In addition to the ManufacturED program, RAMP at Warsaw Area Career Center and Polywood Academy at Wawasee Community Schools offer similar education pathways for students across the county.

OrthoWorx is an initiative formed in 2009 to foster connections between the local orthopedics industry, schools and the community to help ensure the Warsaw area remains the “Orthopedic Capital of the World.”