For a third consecutive year, local students took time off from summer vacation to attend the Design, Engineering and Manufacturing (DEM) Camp held at the Northwest Georgia College and Career Academy. Over 60 middle school students graduated on June 13, after spending four days learning about advanced manufacturing skills. The students also had the opportunity to explore different career fields available in the local manufacturing industries.

"The number of students for this camp continues to grow each year," said Barbara Ward, workforce development director for the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce. "For many of them, this is their first introduction to the skills needed in an advanced manufacturing setting and the quality jobs available to them once they finish school."

Students had the opportunity to hone their graphic design, engineering and fabrication skills as they designed their own carpet, operated the Computer Aided Drafting equipment and designed CO2 model dragster cars. The campers were also able to tour local advanced manufacturing plants and Dalton Utilities. Students learned the importance of safety while touring the plants and working on their different projects during the week.

The idea for the camp grew out of the work of the Archway Partnership, a University of Georgia program designed to help the community improve opportunities for education, quality of life and the economy. With the success of this year's DEM Camp, plans are already underway for a fourth year.  

DEM Camp is a private/public partnership supported by many sponsors. A special thank you to the sponsors below: