Otsego Public Schools is excited to announce that it has been awarded a MEERA (Manufacturing and Engineering Education Reimagined for All) grant to create a state-of-the-art manufacturing and engineering lab at Otsego Middle School.

Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, students as early as 6th grade will have the opportunity to explore hands-on careers in manufacturing, engineering, robotics, and technology through this innovative new program. The program will be led by Otsego Middle School teacher James Sprau.

This new learning space will give students the chance to work with real industry tools, build projects, solve problems, and discover exciting career opportunities.

Preparing Students for the Future

The MEERA program was created to help students understand the many opportunities available in modern manufacturing and engineering. Today’s manufacturing careers look very different than many people imagine. They involve advanced technology, creativity, problem-solving, and innovation.

Through MEERA, students will gain skills that prepare them for future careers, as well as helping them explore their interests.
The grant provides: 

• A fully equipped manufacturing and engineering lab
• Hands-on curriculum and learning materials
• Teacher training and professional support
• Ongoing technical assistance to ensure the program continues to grow

What is MEERA? 

MEERA is a hands-on manufacturing education program that combines classroom learning with real-world tools and technology. Students learn by creating, designing, testing, and improving projects.

Students will explore areas such as:

• 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing
• CNC Machining
• Electronics
• Robotics and Automation
• Engineering Design
• Welding and Fabrication
• Workplace Safety and Readiness
• Future Manufacturing Technologies

Instead of only learning about these concepts, students will use industry equipment and apply their knowledge through hands on projects.

Why Bring MEERA to Otsego?

Manufacturing continues to be an important part of Michigan’s economy, and local employers need skilled workers who are prepared for the future.

The MEERA program will help Otsego students:

• Gain early exposure to high-demand career fields
• Develop technical skills through hands-on experiences
• Build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Learn about local career opportunities, apprenticeships, and education pathways
• Understand how subjects like math, science, and technology connect to the real world

By introducing students to these opportunities early, Otsego is helping prepare the next generation of innovators, engineers, and skilled professionals.

Inside the New MEERA Lab

The new MEERA lab is located in the former high school Tech Ed room at Otsego Middle School. The space will be transformed into a modern learning environment designed for hands-on exploration.

The lab includes:

• Space for up to 32 students
• Virtual welding simulators
• Desktop CNC machines
• 3D printers
• Electronics kits
• Precision tools
• Testing equipment
• Safety equipment and materials

Learning Pathways

MEERA I

• Launching in 2026–27
• MEERA I will primarily serve 6th-grade students, with possible opportunities for 7th and 8th graders. Students will learn:
• Manufacturing safety
• Basic electronics
• CNC fundamentals
• Engineering concepts
• Problem-solving through hands-on projects

MEERA II

• Planned for future implementation
• MEERA II will build on students’ foundational skills with more advanced experiences in:
• Robotics
• Engineering design
• Advanced manufacturing
• Technical problem-solving

What Families Should Know

MEERA is designed for all students, not just students who already know they want a career in engineering or manufacturing.

This program is about helping students discover their strengths, explore possibilities, and develop skills that will benefit them in any future pathway.

Through MEERA, students will:

• Use real-world tools and technology
• Practice teamwork and critical thinking
• Connect classroom learning to future careers
• Explore opportunities in growing industries
• Build confidence through hands-on success

Otsego Public Schools is proud to bring this opportunity to our students and provide them with a learning experience that prepares them for the future!