Grenada Students Explore Advanced Manufacturing at Modine

The Grenada School District (GSD), in partnership with Holmes Community College (HCC), is paving the way for a new generation of innovators through its Advanced Manufacturing program. On Friday, January 17, students and teachers in the program had the incredible opportunity to visit Modine Manufacturing in Grenada, MS, where they explored the world of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) alongside industry professionals.

Modine engineers Nicholas Kidder and Andrew Nguyen welcomed the group with engaging presentations that highlighted the importance of systems thinking, curiosity, and continuous learning in engineering. They shared their personal career journeys, providing students with a roadmap of the opportunities available in advanced manufacturing.

“This program is a game-changer for students,” said Jay Burleson, Human Resource Manager for Modine Grenada. “By connecting classroom learning with real-world applications, they are getting a head start on their careers and building skills that will serve them for a lifetime.”

The visit included a guided tour of Modine’s plant floor, where students observed PLCs in action and gained a behind-the-scenes look at how these systems optimize manufacturing processes. For many students, seeing industrial applications up close helped bridge the gap between classroom lessons and real-world industry practices.

Students in the program, including Ryan Williams, Kylar Gibson, Fisher Jackson, and Dajuan Loston, are part of the first Advanced Manufacturing class. This new class builds on foundational skills the students previously gained in welding, automotive, or carpentry courses at GSD’s Career Tech Center. This project-based curriculum not only meets the requirements for Advanced Manufacturing II but also provides hands-on learning experiences, opportunities to earn high school and college credit, and exposure to industry-leading technologies.

Modine has been a longstanding legacy partner of the Grenada School District and the Grenada Education Foundation. Their unwavering support for education over the years has been invaluable, and we are thrilled to have them championing our students in the Advanced Manufacturing program.

As GSD prepares to open a dedicated Advanced Manufacturing space at the Entrepreneurial & Innovation Center, partnerships with companies like Modine continue to be instrumental. Hands-on experiences like this visit not only deepen students’ understanding of the field but also inspire them to explore the expanding career and college opportunities available in advanced manufacturing.

“As a district, we are committed to creating pathways for student success through innovative, hands-on learning opportunities,” said Dr. David Daigneault, Superintendent of GSD. “The Advanced Manufacturing program, in collaboration with our partners, gives our students the tools, experiences, and confidence to excel in high-demand careers, while also strengthening the future of our community.”

The Advanced Manufacturing program is a bold step forward for Grenada School District, ensuring that students are prepared for the workforce while contributing to the growth and strength of the local community.