Innovation in Action

Each month, we celebrate the stories of Innovation Accelerator teachers and students making a difference across Indiana and beyond. This is the beyond!

Quick Hits:

Texas students attended the American Builders & Construction Expo and gain hands-on trade experiences and learning about apprenticeship pathways that open up after graduation.
Pennsylvania students advanced multiple industry partnerships while presenting AI-driven sustainability and innovation projects at The Global Impact Forum.

Real partners, real problems, and students on the big stage.

Pennsylvania: AJ Mannarino at South Fayette High School

Photos courtesy of AJ Mannarino

AJ Mannarino’s students are working in a year that feels built on real-world alignment with industry partnerships on one side and global-scale problem solving on the other. Several collaborations are moving forward at once, so here’s the run down!

The newest major partnership is with All-Clad Metal Crafters. AJ shared that the first formal student meeting is scheduled for January, with projects beginning in Semester 2 so Engineering Capstone students can participate. At that kickoff, All-Clad will present research themes for students to choose from, with ideas aimed at improving cookware and manufacturing processes, including eliminating PFAS/PFOAs from nonstick products, exploring metals that improve heat distribution, and recirculating manufacturing heat back into the facility to cut winter heating costs.

Meanwhile, students are already active with other local industry partners. AJ’s robotics students are collaborating with Jennison Manufacturing after touring the facility, and they’re now designing a robot that Jennison will help manufacture. Students get to work alongside Jennison employees while learning advanced engineering and manufacturing skills. AJ also shared early momentum with GoneBoarding, a program that could connect students to Burton Snowboards, Vans, and GoPro, with hopes for facility tours in Vermont and a build-your-own-board (skateboard, snowboard, any board!) experience tied to design and testing.

On the presentation side, AJ’s students recently stepped into the spotlight at The Global Impact Forum (TGIF). As AJ put it, “The Global Impact Forum was a powerful opportunity for students to showcase the projects they have developed over the past year.” They presented projects developed over the past year, including AI in Asset-Based Learning Environments (ABLE), a neurofeedback solution for cognitive performance, and Street Safe, a device designed to help protect people experiencing homelessness from theft. Their audience included technology and education leaders from across the Pittsburgh region, including representatives from Google, Duolingo, Penn State, and others; giving students a genuine professional stage for their work.

Students also attended the kickoff for the Student Sustainability Design Challenge (SSDC). AJ said teams are currently in the early phase, identifying problems they want to solve and beginning to map directions for their projects, with more clarity expected as they return from break.

Across AJ’s program, the through line is consistent: students are going beyond learning about innovation and testing ideas with real companies, building with real engineers, and presenting solutions to real leaders and carrying that momentum into the next partnership, the next challenge, and the next big question.

A construction expo opening doors

Texas: Erin Flynn at Hedge School Cooperative

Photos courtesy of Erin Flynn

Erin Flynn’s students recently attended the American Builders & Construction Expo in Taylor, Texas, after an invitation that came through a STARTedUP-connected professional contact. The event, held at the Williamson County Expo Center, brought together construction, building, and architecture professionals to showcase their careers for high schoolers, and Erin said it was well attended.

Erin brought a small group from her microschool, and she loved watching how quickly they leaned in. “We had five students there and it was wonderful to see them jump into the experience.” Students met a wide range of trades and roles, such as plumbers, electricians, crane drivers, welders, and project managers who all talked through apprenticeship pathways and training options.

The day was packed with hands-on demonstrations: students tried bending metal, shaping copper piping, building a working handheld electric fan, blowtorching, and using a crane simulator. Two students also joined a plumbing fixture race, assembling plumbing for a bathroom sink. Erin noted that while some summer opportunities can start as early as 16, the bigger takeaway was what this means long term for her students. “Though the majority of internships and apprenticeships start at 18, it was great to see the opportunities open to our graduates.”

National Highlights: November 2025