The toolbelt generation quote
“Gen Z is the next toolbelt generation.” - Mike Rowe
Mechatronics
What is Power Your Future?
Summer Trainings
What is Northland Works?
Polaris BSU Program
Learn More About the Program
Youth Opportunities
Learn More About Youth Opportunities
Youth Programs at Warroad ARC
PSEO Mechatronics
Taking Mechatronics courses through PSEO allows high school students to earn both high school and college credit at the same time while learning in-demand skills that blend mechanics, electronics, automation, and robotics. Students gain hands-on, college-level experience that can accelerate career pathways in advanced manufacturing and engineering while reducing the future cost and time of college.
To inquire about PSEO, contact Northland PSEO Coordinator Lisa Gunderson or your local high school. More information about PSEO can be found on the Minnesota Department of Education website.
Mechatronics Scholarship
The Advanced Resource Center for Innovation and Education (ARC) is proud to offer a $2,500 scholarship to area high school seniors planning to enroll in the Mechatronics A.A.S. program at Northland Community and Technical College’s Warroad Campus. Mechatronics prepares students for high‑demand careers in automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing through hands‑on, industry‑focused training—all right here in Warroad. Eligible students are encouraged to apply and take the next step toward an in‑demand technical career.
Who Is Eligible to Apply:
• Graduating high school & homeschool seniors from Lake of the Woods, Warroad, Grygla, Roseau, Badger, and Greenbush school districts
• Be enrolled, or plan to enroll, at Northland Community and Technical College, Warroad Campus
• Plan to complete a Mechatronics AAS degree
To Apply:
□ Complete the Advanced Resource Center (ARC) Scholarship application
□ Provide 1 or more letters of recommendation from a teacher or work supervisor
Applications are accepted through May 1st and can be turned into your high school main office or guidance counselor, dropped off at the Advanced Resource Center, or emailed to kim@warroadarc.com.
STEM Explorer Program
Summer 2026
Marvin is piloting a high school STEM Explorer Program and is looking for 10-12 area students to participate. This program provides high school students or recent high school graduates an opportunity to learn more about the world of manufacturing through a part-time summer production position and a STEM learning cohort that includes earning an industry-recognized manufacturing credential, soft skills development, and career exploration.
This opportunity is an ideal fit for students who are curious to explore what the world of manufacturing is about, who desire to test drive their career interests, are seeking summer employment, and have a love of learning.
Compensation – Students will earn a production wage of $18.50 per hour for their part-time employment. For the STEM learning cohort, students will also earn a $450 stipend for each successfully completed CPT module (four total), for a maximum stipend of $1,800.
Check out the Manufacturing Your Success video our 2025 participants made!
The 2026 Cohort is now closed. Please email kim@warroadarc.com for Summer 2027 information
Program Benefits
• Gain real work experience
• Earn an industry-recognized credential
• Build professional skills
• Receive mentoring
• Explore STEM careers
• Earn competitive wages and stipends
Program Details
Program Details
• When – June 1st - August 28th, 2026, Monday – Thursday, 7am – 4pm, with a 1-hour unpaid
lunch break.
• Part-time summer production position – Students will be working Monday – Thursday,
7am – 11:50 am, in one production department at Marvin during the program.
• STEM Learning Cohort – Students will report to ARC, Monday – Thursday, 1 – 4pm to work
on the following:
• The MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT) 4.0, credential, a nationally recognized
credential valued by manufacturers across the U.S., covering four key knowledge areas:
Safety, Quality Practices & Measurement, Manufacturing Process & Production, and
Maintenance Awareness
• Hands-on manufacturing activities
• Employability skills, e.g. teamwork, strengths, professional communication, etc
• STEM career exploration “field trips” to different departments across Marvin
• Group study sessions
• Weekly mentoring
You should apply if you are:
• Between the ages of 17 – 21
• Looking for part-time summer employment
• Interested in career exploration in a manufacturing environment
• Able to lift 35lbs
• Can pass a physical assessment
• No GPA requirement
Is this program a good fit for you?
Here are some questions to consider if this program is for you.
1. Do I have an interest in technical subjects?
2. Am I comfortable using computer programs and online learning tools?
3. Do I have the time to commit to a part-time production position?
4. Do I have the time to commit to learning activities?
5. Interested in furthering my job prospects and career opportunities?
FIRST Lego League
FIRST LEGO League Challenge sparks kids’ curiosity and confidence by blending robotics, coding, and real‑world problem‑solving in a fun, teamwork‑driven environment. Students build and program LEGO robots, tackle meaningful challenges, and learn that innovation, collaboration, and perseverance matter just as much as technical skills. It’s an early, exciting gateway into STEM that shows kids they can create, lead, and make a difference. Learn more here.
ARC is home to the BrickBobs and a participant under the Warroad High School FIRST Robotics program.