The Shop Rat Foundation, Inc.

The Shop Rat Foundation, Inc. The Shop Rat Foundation is a Michigan based, manufacturing focused, 501 (c) 3 organization.

Founded in 2004 by a manufacturing entrepreneur, the Shop Rat Foundation promotes and provides learning opportunities for youth enrolled in grades 6-12 to gain a better understanding of the manufacturing industry through participation in Shop Rat Education Program offerings. The Shop Rat Education Program incorporates hands-on, project-based curriculum modules focused on machining, welding, engine

ering, construction and modern manufacturing (including mechatronics and additive manufacturing). The program is currently facilitating after-school classes, in-school partnership activities and summer camps in Jackson, Ingham and Lenawee Counties.

06/08/2026

Ready to take robotics to the next level this summer? ☀🤖

Intermediate Robotics Camp is designed for students who love a challenge.
August 10th-14th | 9 AM – 12 PM
AMTC
Grades 5th to 8th


Spots are limited — grab yours today!
ShopRat.org

These empty spaces represent opportunity.The blue outlined areas will soon hold CNC machines that help prepare students ...
06/04/2026

These empty spaces represent opportunity.

The blue outlined areas will soon hold CNC machines that help prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing—but we need your help to get there.

Thanks to a $200,000 matching grant, every gift made through the end of 2026 will be doubled. 💸💸

Help us reach our goal and invest in the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

💙 Donate Today: https://givebutter.com/equip-the-amtc-wtld2c

Machining is more than a skill — it’s a career path! And this summer is a great time to jump in and get curious. At Mach...
06/01/2026

Machining is more than a skill — it’s a career path! And this summer is a great time to jump in and get curious.

At Machining U Summer Camp 8th - 11th Grade, students get hands-on experience with machining tools, safety, measurement, and precision work that prepares them for future skilled trades careers.

Join us and build real skills that last a lifetime, register here: https://campscui.active.com/orgs/TheShopRatFoundation?season=3782642&session=70104642

*Machining U tuition has been subsidized through a grant by SparkForce, The FMA Foundation, enabling tuition to remain at this level for the session.

The Advanced Manufacturing Training Center is open. Students are walking through the doors. Employers are requesting tra...
06/01/2026

The Advanced Manufacturing Training Center is open.

Students are walking through the doors. Employers are requesting training and ready to hire. The pathway is built.

But right now, critical pieces are still missing.❗️

Without the CNC equipment that we need to provide the level of training that you and your peers have asked for, we are limited in how many students we can train—and how quickly we can respond to the workforce needs right here in Jackson.

This is the moment where momentum either carries forward… or stalls.

We have secured a $200,000 matching grant to help bring this equipment online. Every dollar given between now and the end of 2026 will be matched*, doubling the impact of each gift.

What we do next determines how quickly this space becomes fully operational—and how many students gain access to real, career-ready training.

We are asking you to help close this gap by donating today!
https://givebutter.com/equip-the-amtc-wtld2c

Shop Rat's May Newsletter is out now! 🤓📰Summer camps are filling fast, instructors are in the spotlight, a virtual tour ...
05/28/2026

Shop Rat's May Newsletter is out now! 🤓📰

Summer camps are filling fast, instructors are in the spotlight, a virtual tour of the AMTC, and our mission is moving forward in a big way this May (but we need your help)!

Don’t miss the latest updates from Shop Rat — read the full newsletter now!
https://view.flodesk.com/emails/6a0c8bd07a67b8aa45299637

Not subscribed to our newsletter? Subscribe Here:
https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63ed0efe781752946ff2c289?fbclid=IwY2xjawSFQWFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFVcGE2eXpKZ2NJc2tkQ0hoc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqpD9b7k5tBwNVwtveb9nbNycULrUHIXAWVEBtFrIe0xUR1P1t_jV-VcID1O_aem_rYJD6rEJB7I7_cxiFOV8iQ

Meet Doni LeCrone, our amazing LEGO Robotics instructor!Doni teaches 3rd–8th graders the fundamentals of design and robo...
05/28/2026

Meet Doni LeCrone, our amazing LEGO Robotics instructor!

Doni teaches 3rd–8th graders the fundamentals of design and robotics using one of the best tools out there, LEGO.

“I love being in classrooms with students and their teachers. It lets me introduce these concepts to so many kids!” — Doni

We’re lucky to have Doni inspiring the next generation of builders, problem-solvers, and creators. 🧱✨

🚨 Only ONE spot left for 3D Print Camp!This beginner-friendly camp introduces students to the world of additive manufact...
05/26/2026

🚨 Only ONE spot left for 3D Print Camp!

This beginner-friendly camp introduces students to the world of additive manufacturing through hands-on projects, basic CAD design, and real-world problem solving. Participants will learn how to operate a desktop 3D printer, create digital models, and turn their ideas into physical parts — all while practicing teamwork, communication, and foundational manufacturing concepts.

And the best part?
Students get to keep their 3D printer at the end of camp.

If you’ve been thinking about signing up, now’s the time — this last seat won’t last!
ShopRat.org

Address

3517 Scheele Drive
Jackson, MI
49202

Telephone

(517) 769-2100

Website

http://linkedin.com/company/the-shop-rat-foundation-inc, https://www.instagram.com/officialshop

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