REDMOND, OR -- A group of Redmond 8th graders visited three manufacturing sites, this week, as part of a joint effort between High Desert ESD and Redmond Economic Development (REDI).
Redmond Mayor George Endicott spoke to the students at the start of the “Learn it. Make it” tour. He tells KBND News he hopes it leads to a bigger interest in the manufacturing sector and how local products are made. "For a few years now, we’ve had the industrial tour for adults. And, for the first time, we’re doing 8th graders from Redmond schools. The kids will be able to understand the manufacturing world and what’s involved. As they go into high school, they could potentially go into the CTE program." He adds, "You can’t expect someone of that age to make the decision tomorrow. But, you know, they’ve never had an appreciation for it, as far as I know, unless they’re parents are involved. So, it gives them a chance to understand what’s going on."