The Shop Rat Foundation, Inc.

Name: The Shop Rat Foundation, Inc.
Address: 3517 Scheele Drive, Jackson, MI, 49202, US
Telephone: (517) 769-2100
Price range: $

Home
United States
Jackson, MI
The Shop Rat Foundation, Inc.

Call Directions Website Contact the business

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, engineering, 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.

10/26/2026

Because learning to work with your hands starts with knowing how to work safely. 🔧

At Shop Rat Foundation, creating a safe learning environment is a priority. Our shop is OSHA-compliant, reflecting our commitment to safety and responsible shop practices.

From learning proper procedures to developing hands-on skills, students are encouraged to build good habits that can carry into future careers in the skilled trades.

10/22/2026

🔧 Qualified Instructors. Real-World Skills.

At Shop Rat Foundation, great instruction makes all the difference!

Our instructional team brings valuable knowledge, relevant qualifications, and a commitment to hands-on learning. With experienced guidance and an emphasis on skill development, we help students build confidence, strengthen their abilities, and explore opportunities in the skilled trades.

10/16/2026

Spots are limited! Register today and join us in the shop next Wednesday. 🔧

Students will learn safe welding operations, practice running a bead and creating basic joints, and put their new skills to work creating a welded winter-inspired sculpture.

📅 Wednesdays, October 21–November 25
⏰ 4:30–6:30 PM
📍 AMTC
Grades 6–9
$125
👥 Limited to 8 students

https://campscui.active.com/orgs/TheShopRatFoundation?season=3856635&session=72645938

10/15/2026

🔥 Introduction to Welding starts in 1 week!

Students in grades 6–9 can gain hands-on experience with GMAW (MIG) welding through Shop Rat Foundation’s Introduction to Welding class.

Students will learn safe welding operations, practice running a bead and creating basic joints, and put their new skills to work creating a welded winter-inspired sculpture.

📅 Wednesdays, October 21–November 25
⏰ 4:30–6:30 PM
📍 AMTC
🎓 Grades 6–9
💲 $125
👥 Limited to 8 students

Spots are limited! Register today and join us in the shop next Wednesday. 🔧
https://campscui.active.com/orgs/TheShopRatFoundation?season=3856635&session=72645938

10/14/2026

Yesterday, Western School District High School students toured Lynair, Inc., a Jackson-based manufacturer specializing in heavy-duty air and hydraulic cylinders used in industrial applications.

Thank you to Michael Krebill for guiding our students through the facility and sharing an inside look at Lynair’s products, manufacturing processes, and career opportunities.

Students explored CNC machining equipment, visited the welding area, and learned about the variety of roles that help bring products from the manufacturing floor to customers. They also got a glimpse of Lynair’s family-like work culture and the people behind the work.

Experiences like these help students connect hands-on learning with real-world careers and discover the opportunities available right here in our community.

Thank you to Mike and the entire Lynair team for welcoming our students!

Learn more about Lynair: https://www.lynair.com/

10/12/2026

SOLD OUT!
Introduction to Engineering Design gives students in grades 6–9 a hands-on introduction to the world of engineering and 3D design.

Students will explore what engineering entails and learn the fundamentals of 3D modeling and design using SolidWorks software.

This class is a great opportunity for students interested in engineering, design, technology, and how ideas become real-world solutions.

Dates: Tuesdays, October 27-November 17th
4:30–6:30 PM | AMTC
Grades 6–9 | $50
Limited to just 6 students

Registration is open!
https://campscui.active.com/orgs/TheShopRatFoundation?season=3856635&session=72654037

10/02/2026

Introduction to Welding:
Students will learn safe welding operations, how to run a bead, and how to create basic joints. The class will wrap up with a hands-on project: a welded winter-inspired sculpture.

📅 Wednesdays, October 21st – November 25
⏰ 4:30–6:30 PM
📍 AMTC
Grades 6th –9th
$125
Limited to 8 students

Register Today!
https://campscui.active.com/orgs/TheShopRatFoundation?season=3856635&session=72645938

09/29/2026

Last call to join us for 3D Print for Girls, a hands-on course introducing students to 3D printing, CAD, design, and real-world manufacturing.

Students will learn to operate a desktop 3D printer, turn digital designs into physical parts, and build skills in creativity, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.

If she's curious about how things are designed and made, this is a great opportunity to get hands-on and explore what's possible.

📅 October 6–29 | Tuesdays & Thursdays
⏰ 4–6 PM
📍 Advanced Manufacturing Training Center
💲 $100 tuition

Registration is open—but class starts October 6!

Register at ShopRat.org

09/24/2026

We’re excited to welcome Western High School students to the AMTC this fall! 🔧

Through a new partnership with Western High School, 22 juniors and seniors will spend 15 weeks at the AMTC, twice a week, gaining hands-on experience in machining and welding.

This isn’t just about learning technical skills. Students will work in a professional manufacturing environment, explore potential career pathways, and get a closer look at what a future in the trades can look like.

The partnership also builds on Shop Rat’s collaboration with JAMA , helping connect the curriculum to industry needs and pre-apprenticeship requirements.

Our goal is to create more opportunities for schools to bring students to the AMTC for consistent, career-connected learning during the school day—and this partnership is an exciting step in that direction.

We’re looking forward to seeing where this opportunity takes these students! 🔥

09/18/2026

The Shop Rat Foundation is so grateful to have been selected to receive a $3,500 donation from the Bailey Family Foundation, in collaboration with Alro Steel and Jackson Industrial Construction at the BaileyFest Fundraiser last weekend.

We are so incredibly grateful for their support of our work within the Jackson community.

Address

3517 Scheele Drive
Jackson, MI
49202

Telephone

(517) 769-2100

Website

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

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Shop Rat Foundation, Inc. posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.