Since summer 2024, the Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub (MVSCH) team has been actively enhancing and transforming the MILL to align with our evolved programming focus. The team added a petite but complete woodshop, a screen printing lab, and even a number of new CNC machines. Designed to support local educators, it fosters STEAM innovation, open pedagogy, and skill-sharing.
After long months of dedicated effort, the MILL welcomed its first group of visitors. This cohort was a group of young leaders from Albany Youth Leadership—juniors and seniors from local high schools—as part of Albany Chamber Leadership Education Day.
Guided by Career Systems Navigator, Deron Fort, the students toured the LBCC campus. Their visit included exploring the MILL, meeting with LBCC President Dr. Lisa Avery, engaging in discussions at the Equity Center with Dr. Angel Dorantes, Latino Outreach and Retention Manager, and participating in a Q&A session with LBCC’s Student Leadership Council.
“Leadership involves a number of important concepts, and it is important for young people to engage in a variety of experiences that allow them to gain an understanding of leadership in practice, as well as what it means to them,” said Fort.
MVSCH’s Dr. Dominga Sanchez led the students through a conversation about innovative approaches to leadership, helping them explore what leadership looks like to them. The students participated in a LEGO six bricks activity where participants built their version of a duck in one minute. Discussions emerged about how diversity of thought and leading with empathy are crucial skills for leaders trying to navigate a team to success.
“Each activity challenged participants to think critically, collaborate effectively, foster inclusivity, and apply creative problem-solving skills, mirroring real-world scenarios and providing students with valuable insights into how leadership promotes and drives positive change in STEAM fields,” said Dr. Sanchez.
In addition to the LEGO Six Bricks activity, the students were also encouraged to explore The MILL and engage in discussions with both peers and staff. These conversations focused on how the equipment, activities, and discussions helped them reconsider their understanding of effective leadership.
“Having an opportunity to participate with LBCC leaders in conversations and activities that dig into the nuances of leadership helps students develop and deepen their understanding of the concept of leadership and how that understanding will influence their academic and professional pathways,” said Fort.
Dr. Sanchez had the students return to their initial reflection at the conclusion of the session, “Participants considered how their definition of leadership has evolved. Finally, they selected a meaningful word for their new personal view of leadership and encapsulated the concept by hand-making a pin-backed button featuring their word.”