The Millcreek Township School District has announced the formation of the McDowell Automation Alliance beginning in the 2024-25 school year. 

The new program is designed to help break down barriers for employers who struggle finding employees with automation knowledge by providing training to students interested in automation as a career after graduation. 

The new program will be housed in the same area as the McDowell Manufacturing Lab. The program will focus heavily on the use and programming of robotic arms to fulfill real-world projects. 

According to representatives from the school district, McDowell students will work on creating automation and Industry 4.0 solutions that can be implemented by local manufacturers. 

Students will work with three local partner companies: James H. Cross Company, Epworth Automation, and Great Lake Automation Services, Inc.