A spark for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) has been ignited in Mason County with the grand opening of a dedicated FIRST Robotics Practice Facility at UACJ Automotive Whitehall Industries, Inc., in Ludington. This new space addresses the need for a shared practice facility, a goal championed by MiSTEM Network under the leadership of Brian Dotson, MiSTEM Region 9 Director. Open to all area robotics students, the facility represents a significant investment in the region’s future workforce. Many caring community partners supported the project, including UACJ Automotive Whitehall Industries, Inc., and grants from the House of Flavors, Inc., and the Drs. Ruth & John Carney Education Funds at the Community Foundation for Mason County.
The facility is already having a profound impact, shaping the next generation of engineers, skilled tradespeople, and critical thinkers—all with the goal of “growing engineers locally to keep them local,” said UACJ President Mike Wegener.
The new practice facility is more than just a workspace; it’s a hub for collaboration and a training ground for valuable life skills. According to Ludington High School O’Bots head coach Karen Shineldecker, the facility is built on the core value of gracious professionalism, which highlights and recognizes the abilities of all competitors. Students develop critical thinking skills through competition and the sharing of ideas, preparing them to be skilled, career-minded people ready for the demands of the modern workforce, including the development of engineers and skilled trades at UACJ.
“Lifelong journeys and dreams turned into what you see today,” shared Rylee Stocks, a 16-year-old from the rural town of Custer, underscoring the long-term vision behind the project.
The impact of the new facility and the robotics program is perhaps best illustrated by Rylee, an 11th-grade student at Mason County Eastern High School and captain of the school’s robotics team.
Rylee grew up playing with Legos, but she admits that when she joined robotics her freshman year, she “didn’t even know how to use an electric screwdriver.” She joined because it “sounded interesting” and quickly realized how much there was to learn.
Fast-forward to today, and Rylee is a key member of her team—not only building and operating robots but also discovering a path for her future.
“Your support is helping us strengthen our skills and prepare for college,” Rylee shared at the grand opening.
Rylee, who plans to pursue a degree in engineering or music, says robotics has helped her understand what she wants to do with her life: “It’s going to help me shape my future … It already has.”
Beyond technical skills, the program has provided invaluable life lessons. “Robotics is mental. You’re learning so much, and you’re growing,” Rylee explained, also noting that the program provided a “change that I needed.” She has developed new friends, seen growth in her technical abilities, and even developed her speech skills.
Rylee’s enthusiasm for robotics is contagious, mirroring the inspiration drawn from the new UACJ practice facility. In fact, the Mason County Eastern robotics team has doubled during the time the UAJC practice facility has been open. Rylee encouraged friends to join the team, including her best friend, who is now their “best driver.” Even Rylee’s sister got “roped in,” and the girls’ parents have become involved as team volunteers.
Rylee shared her immense gratitude at the grand opening. “It’s amazing with all of these sponsors we get to do these things!”
UACJ Automotive Whitehall Industries, Inc., the Community Foundation for Mason County, and the large host of other dedicated partners who brought the FIRST Robotics Practice Facility to fruition are ensuring that more Mason County students, like Rylee Stocks, have the resources to turn their curiosity into a promising and skilled career right in their own community.