WOOD COUNTY, Ohio — Young minds hard at work got to visit with a state senator Friday in Wood County.
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, met with middle school students participating in the Wood County Advanced Manufacturing Camp at Owens Community College.
Brown's office started organizing the manufacturing camps in 2013 by partnering with local businesses and community leaders.
The camps give students the chance to explore manufacturing careers available right here in Ohio.
"It gives them a broad range and the kids were pretty excited," Brown said. "I mean, it's fun to just walk in and say, 'What did you do this week that was fun?' and most of them said First Solar, some enjoyed the food stuff, some thought it was fascinating how do you make glass."
During the camp, students learned how products are made, took part in team-building exercises and worked on a project specific to their community.
"It's also an opportunity for them to do something meaningful, something that a lot of people don't get to experience in their regular K-through-12 environment," Owens Community College President Dione Somerville said.
The senator's office plans to help organize at least 50 camps in 29 counties across Ohio during 2024.
In total, Brown's office has assisted in organizing more than 200 camps since 2013.
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