With a $5,000 grant from the Alger Regional Community Foundation, the Munising robotics program is now equipped with a CNC machine that both coaches and students say will sharpen their competitive edge — and open doors to real- world technical skills.
“We’re a small, rural school district,” said Kirt Harmon, high school robotics coach. “We compete in the U.P. against larger districts like Marquette, Escanaba and Houghton schools. Those schools have support from large universities and corporate sponsors.Adding a CNC machine gives our students access to the best technology so they can stay competitive — and stay engaged.”
The CNC machine — short for computer numerical control — allows students to design and fabricate their own robot parts using advanced software and machining skills. While students have previously used 3D printers, the CNC opens up more complex design capabilities and professional- grade production.
“Our student participants will use computer assisted design and computer assisted manufacturing programs with the CNC machine to turn their ideas into reality through milling parts,” said Andrew Bishop, middle school robotics coach. “These are software and skills in demand in tech, manufacturing and engineering fields.”
Bishop added, “While our participants may have interacted with CAD using a 3D printer, the CNC requires greater skill development and parts a 3D printer cannot make.”
The foundation typically supports projects with long-term impact, according to Phil Hansen, vice president of ARCF.
“We felt it had the kind of impact that goes beyond a one- or two-year benefit,” Hansen said. “The CNC machine will likely last a decade or more, so it’s going to benefit the school district, the robotics team — and who knows how many students’ lives it might touch along the way.”
The community foundation manages more than $4.1 million in assets across more than 60 funds, all dedicated to quality of life enhancements in Alger County. Its mission: “For good forever.”
“Different foundations or different funds that people have set up serve their specific purposes,” Hansen said. “The goal is to meet the purpose of the founders of the fund.”
Hansen’s personal connection to robotics goes back to 2019, when his daughter joined the program.
“Back in 2019-2020, it was parents loading up all this robotics equipment in their cars and hauling it to competitions,” Hansen said. “We did two fundraisers over two years and got a matching grant from the Rotary Foundation. That, along with support from ARCF, helped us buy the trailer you see. Now all the equipment fits in there, neatly and efficiently, in one easy package.”
According to Harmon, that kind of grassroots support remains essential.
“Financial support is integral to the robotics program,” Harmon said. “We rely on volunteer parents to support their students, transport them to practices and events and make food to share at events. The high school and middle school teams support themselves through fundraising.”
Bishop noted that the CNC isn’t just about winning meets.
“I anticipate building students’ skills with the machine and software through tutorials,” he said. “That will develop their confidence and help them see the CNC as just another great tool in their toolbox.”
The impact goes beyond competition. “Bringing what they learn to life is so important to overcome the ‘I won’t use this after school’ attitude,” Bishop said. “These are real-world skills that fuel their creative energy.”
Hansen agreed. “Think of the possibilities. Those kids can print parts now, fix things in the school that are broken,” he said. “You never know where this might lead. They may find their calling in machining, designing — who knows?”
