Perham-Dent adds hands-on robotics training to boost local workforce

Perham-Dent schools launched a hands-on robotics and mechatronics training program on Jan. 15, 2026, equipping middle- and high-school classrooms with four industrial-style robotic arms worth roughly $30,000. The new curriculum gives students practical experience in programming, mechatronics and basic automation, aligning classroom learning with skills increasingly demanded by modern manufacturers.

Teachers Andy Paulson and Nancy Sandeen have integrated the robotic arms into lab exercises in which students program the machines to perform tasks such as picking up blocks and operating conveyor systems. The district plans to expand the curriculum so middle-school students move smoothly into more advanced high-school mechatronics coursework, creating a clear K-12 pipeline for technical skill development.

The investment came through a youth skills training grant that covered equipment costs. For Otter Tail County, where small- and medium-sized manufacturers form an important part of the employment base, hands-on exposure to robotics offers a way for local schools to better match workforce needs. Students who master programming, sensors, and automation workflows can be more competitive for entry-level manufacturing technician roles or for further technical education at community colleges and trade schools.

Beyond immediate classroom benefits, the program represents a targeted policy approach to workforce development: modest capital spending on equipment and teacher-led curriculum design that creates long-term human capital. If replicated across other districts, similar grants could help reduce hiring friction for local employers and give students clearer career pathways in high-tech and industrial sectors.

The district emphasized continuity in learning by designing middle-school content to prepare students for higher-level high-school coursework in mechatronics. That sequencing is important because technical proficiency in automation builds cumulatively; early exposure increases the likelihood students pursue certification or apprenticeships after graduation.

For Perham and surrounding communities, the program also creates opportunities for local partnerships. Businesses that rely on automated production lines could provide site visits, internships or real-world projects tying student assignments to local production problems. Those connections would strengthen the return on the grant investment by creating immediate employer demand for demonstrable skills.

Looking ahead, the district’s expansion plans will be the key measure of impact: the number of students who complete advanced mechatronics classes, obtain certifications, or enter local technical jobs will determine whether the program translates into measurable economic gains for Otter Tail County. For now, the new equipment and curriculum mark a concrete step toward preparing students for the automation age and building a talent pipeline for local industry.