CHAMPION Now! Ignites Passion for Manufacturing Careers at IMTS 2024

CHAMPION Now! and Terry M. Iverson are thrilled to announce a new initiative aimed at raising awareness and generating enthusiasm for rewarding careers in manufacturing. This year, CHAMPION Now! will be showcasing its innovative offerings at the IMTS 2024 Student Summit, Booth 121002, in the East Building of McCormick Place, Chicago, from September 9-14, 2024.

At IMTS, explore Camp CHAMP – Inspiring Future Manufacturing Leaders Through Mentorship;  Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing – Building Prosperity Through Manufacturing, Mentoring and the Power of Parenting; and, Finding America’s Greatest Champion – Discover the Path to a Debt-Free Career.

Under the leadership of a distinguished Board of Directors, including industry veterans Roy Sweatman, Grady Cope, Jerry Rex, Rodney Grover, Carrie Kurczynski, Paul Wahnish and Founder Terry M. Iverson, CHAMPION Now! is poised to transform perceptions of manufacturing careers. The organization is committed to offering alternative paths to success for the next generation. Bill Padnos, formerly the Executive Director of the NTMA Foundation, will serve as the Engagement Director, spearheading fundraising efforts nationwide. They are actively seeking passionate volunteers from across the country to join our mission.

Camp CHAMP

Camp CHAMP is an innovative program offering a comprehensive manufacturing experience. It can be rented, leased or purchased and is designed to provide an immersive manufacturing experience for students beyond the traditional short-term programs. The camp consists of half-day sessions in the morning and afternoon. A maximum of 24 middle school students will get the opportunity to participate at a host company or technical college. They will receive a custom memento shirt with sponsor logos. The students will be divided into six groups, each led by a high school CTE (Career and Technical Education) student mentor. This mentorship not only enhances the camp experience but also helps inspire the next generation of manufacturing leaders and CTE instructors.

At Camp CHAMP, students will engage in six interactive stations where they will learn the manufacturing process of creating a wooden pen and pen case:

1. Pre-machining Inspection of Blanks

2. Turning the Upper and Lower Segments of the Pen

3. Milling the Pen Case

4. Programmable Indexing for Sanding and Staining

5. Assembling the Pen

6. Laser Engraving the Student’s Name

Each student will leave with a personalized pen and case, as a memento of their inspiring experience. In addition, the camp will offer the book "Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing" to further engage students and parents. This resource encourages meaningful conversations about each child’s potential career path, taking into account their passions, talents, learning styles, and family resources.

A Dual-Perspective Resource for Parents and Students

The book "Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing" is a unique, dual-perspective resource designed to facilitate discussions between parents and students about educational and career choices. This interactive guide challenges readers to explore the best paths based on the student’s passions and natural talents, preferred learning methods, financial considerations, barriers to traditional career paths and opportunities through internships and apprenticeships.

The book will be available for purchase at the IMTS 2024 Student Summit (Booth 121002), with copies personally autographed by the author.

https://championnow.org/  www.terrymiverson.com