[vooch]

We need to bring back shop classes in 7th, 8th, and 9th grade.

[TADSLOS]

Yep, and building trades. A high school graduate should be able to walk away with a basic certification for any number of skills (welding, carpentry, plumbing, masonry, auto mechanic, sheet metal fabrication, etc...).

[ProtectOurFreedom]

I had Wood Shop in 7th Grade; Metal Shop in 8th Grade; Drafting in 9th Grade. Those were the greatest classes ever. It’s such a shame they all fell by the wayside in so many school districts across the US.

[GingisK]

I teach my FIRST Robotics geeks how to use the lathe, mill, and other machines. These are 9-12 students. A few of them are now in college studying mechanical engineering with machine shop supporting classes.

I've got a few others started down the path of embedded computing.

Find a local high school to mentor their FRC club. It is well worth the time spent.