Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools are continuing to expand their focus on “experiential learning” — giving students the opportunity to learn through hands-on experience — through a new partnership with SMC Corporation of Noblesville.

On Monday afternoon, officials from HSE Schools and SMC gathered at HSE High School to mark the next step in that effort, cutting the ribbon on new manufacturing equipment provided by SMC. The equipment will be used by students from both HSE High School and Fishers High School as part of their coursework.

The partnership is designed to give students real-world experience operating the same types of machinery used in advanced manufacturing, helping to better prepare them for careers immediately after graduation.

Kelley Stacy, President and Chief Executive Officer of SMC’s Noblesville operation, said the company has a growing need for skilled workers — especially machinists — and sees the program as a direct pipeline to help fill those positions.  Stacy noted that the company hopes students trained through the program will be ready to step into high-demand roles.

Interim HSE Superintendent D. Matt Kegley said the program is already gaining traction. Students are currently using the equipment, and approximately 80 students have signed up to participate in the program for the 2026–2027 school year.

The initiative reflects a broader effort by HSE Schools to connect classroom learning with career pathways, particularly in high-demand technical fields.

In the video below, I speak briefly with student Dominic Cooper, who is already gaining hands-on experience with the equipment. The video also includes the full program and remarks leading up to the ribbon-cutting ceremony.