Dugger, Indiana
At Dugger Union Jr./Sr. High School, hands-on learning is opening doors to future careers and helping students build practical skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Led by Abby Howard, 7–12 Computer Science teacher and makerspace manager, this makerspace is giving students opportunities they might not otherwise have access to, especially in a rural setting.
Expanding Career Awareness Through Hands-On Learning
For many students at Dugger Union, the makerspace is their first exposure to tools and technologies that are commonly used in today’s workforce.
“I feel the makerspace is helping students explore future careers because many of my students would not know about the CNC, designing for the laser, or basic carpentry skills without this class,” Abby shares. “My school does not have a machine shop, so anyone who takes my class is learning about measuring and the tools that they could use in a job or at their future house one day.”
This exposure is critical. By working with real tools and materials, students begin to see how classroom learning connects to real-world applications and potential career pathways in fields like manufacturing, engineering, and skilled trades.
Projects That Mirror Real-World Challenges
The makerspace at Dugger Union is designed to prepare students for life after high school by focusing on projects that require critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability.
“I think a project that best prepares them for both a job and college is the kind of project where there are multiple answers or options,” Abby explains. “For instance, we recently had to build a bridge. The goal was to hold the most weight. They had to use problem-solving skills to come up with the best bridge. They were not given step-by-step directions, just a general idea of what they could do.”
These open-ended challenges push students to think independently, test ideas, and revise their work. Whether students are heading to college, entering a trade, or joining the workforce, these are the kinds of skills they will rely on every day.
“Lots of things you do in life don’t have one answer, or sometimes what you try doesn’t work, so you have to think outside of the box,” she adds. “I believe having a makerspace opens up creativity in students that has been locked away.”
Building Confidence and Real-World Skills
One of the most powerful impacts of the makerspace is the confidence it builds in students who may not always thrive in traditional classroom settings.
“I find that students who may not be excelling in traditional classrooms find success when they can build things,” Abby says. “This might be the only thing they feel they are good at, which gives them a chance to shine in the classroom.”
Through hands-on projects, students develop fine motor skills, persistence, and a sense of accomplishment. As they continue working in the space, these skills grow, helping students feel more capable and prepared for future challenges.
Preparing Students for What Comes Next
At Dugger Union Jr./Sr. High School, the makerspace is more than a classroom. It is a place where students discover strengths, explore career possibilities, and develop skills that will serve them for years to come.
In a school without a traditional machine shop, this space fills a critical gap. It provides access, opportunity, and exposure that can shape a student’s path after graduation.
We are proud to support schools like Dugger Union that are preparing students not just academically, but practically, equipping them with the tools, confidence, and mindset needed for the future.
