At Batavia High School, students in the popular Marketing & Manufacturing class are gaining more than hands-on experience—they’re developing the skills they’ll need in future careers. Designed by technology teacher Charlie Voorhees, the class operates like a business. Students design and build products, market them, and sell them to fund future projects.

“Our goal is to mirror a real workforce environment as closely as possible,” said Voorhees. “Students are learning technical skills, teamwork, and entrepreneurship all in one space.”

Sophomore Gunnar Pietrzykowski, who also participates in Tech Wars, says he enjoys working with tools and machines, both in class and at home. “I have a 3D printer, a bunch of tools—I’ve always been into this. This class is helping me work toward a future in engineering.”

Students like Sophomore Brooke Diehl and Junior Liam Hare appreciate the creative freedom. “He gives us the project and lets us figure it out,” Hare said. “It’s more like what you’d see in a job.”

Principal Jenni Wesp calls the class a standout. “Whenever I walk into our tech classes, I see students invigorated, comprehensively engaged, and taking leadership roles in multiple ways. What a gift!”

With growing interest and multiple sections planned for next year, Batavia’s technology program is thriving.