Lake County Gazette

Career and Technical Education students from Coal City High School participated in the 10th annual Manufacturing Day, accompanied by instructors Mr. Kennell and Ms. Matusiak. The event took place on October 7 at Joliet Junior College’s Main Campus and was organized by the Three Rivers Manufacturers’ Association in partnership with Joliet Junior College. Manufacturing Day is aimed at high school students interested in STEM or Applied Technology careers.

This year’s event also featured a visit from the Makers on the Move bus tour, which is traveling across the state during Manufacturing Month to highlight innovation and opportunities in modern manufacturing. The tour visits factories, technical colleges, and high schools to showcase today’s manufacturing environments and connect employers with future talent. Organizers describe it as “more than a celebration—it’s a chance to redefine what manufacturing looks like and highlight the diverse, rewarding careers available in this vital industry.”

Nearly 40 exhibitors were present at Manufacturing Day, including companies, trades organizations, and college and career training programs.

Coal City Community Unit School District 1 includes several schools in Grundy and Will counties, such as Coal City High School, Coal City Early Childhood Center, Coal City Elementary School, Coal City Intermediate School, and Coal City Middle School (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The district employs 153 teachers with an average salary of $69,297; most are women. According to state data, no teacher in the district has more than ten absences per year (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The student population is predominantly White at 86.9 percent, with Hispanic students making up nearly 10 percent (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In 2020, spending per student was $21,619 for a total expenditure of $47 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).