CHAMPION Now! ignites passion for manufacturing careers at IMTS 2026
CHAMPION Now! will showcase Camp CHAMP and its manufacturing career programs at IMTS 2026 in Chicago.
CHAMPION Now! will showcase its manufacturing career programs at the IMTS 2026 Student Summit, Booth 211250, in the North Building of McCormick Place in Chicago from September 14-19.
The nonprofit organization, founded by manufacturing industry veteran Terry M. Iverson, works to change perceptions about manufacturing careers and introduce students and families to alternatives to a traditional four-year college path. Its IMTS activities will highlight:
- Camp CHAMP, a hands-on manufacturing experience built around mentorship;
- the books Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing and Finding America’s Greatest Champion;
- the CNC Rocks video series; and
- The Manufacturing Mentor podcast, powered by CHAMPION Now!
Camp CHAMP offers a portable manufacturing experience
Camp CHAMP is a portable, pop-up program available for rent, lease or purchase. A host company or technical college can use the turnkey program to give middle school students a half-day manufacturing experience instead of limiting career outreach to a single annual event.
A typical camp serves 24 students in morning and afternoon sessions. Students divide into six groups, each led by a high school career and technical education student mentor, and rotate through six stations:
- pre-machining inspection of blanks;
- turning the upper segments of a wooden pen;
- turning the lower segments;
- programmable indexing for sanding and staining;
- assembling the pen; and
- laser engraving the student’s name.
Each student leaves with a personalized wooden pen and case. The peer-mentoring model is intended to strengthen the camp experience while helping participants envision themselves as future manufacturing professionals and instructors.
Florida youth program
The Florida Youth College, operating under the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, recently approved and ordered the Camp CHAMP program. The Cypress Creek facility in Lecanto, Florida, is expected to receive two Camp CHAMP kits, 10 machine-tool kits and two educational books this winter.
Participants will learn to build and operate mini CNC lathes, while Tooling U will provide online coursework for the Certified Manufacturing Associate program. CHAMPION Now! said the initiative is expected to become a registered pre-apprenticeship program connected to the FloridaMakes Registered Apprenticeship after final state approval.
“Many times, these young people do not have the focus, opportunity or skill sets needed to succeed into adulthood,” Iverson said. “In their short stay, this could open a whole new world of lucrative opportunities for them. This could literally change their lives. I am so honored to be part of this program.”
CHAMPION Now! at the CTE booth
CHAMPION Now! and the Camp CHAMP tabletop CNC lathe also will be featured at Cutting Tool Engineering Booth 432313 in the West Building. Visitors can see live demonstrations and learn how the program introduces middle school students to manufacturing careers.
Iverson plans to be at the CTE booth from 3:30-5 p.m. during the show to discuss Camp CHAMP. CTE also plans to give six booth visitors autographed copies of his book, Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing.
On September 17, CHAMPION Now!, the Village of Arlington Heights and the Economic Alliance Council plan to host approximately 12 parents of District 214 students for a field trip to the IMTS show floor. A press conference later that day will address CHAMPION Now!’s programs and the parents’ reactions to the show.
The Manufacturing Mentor podcast
IMTS also will mark the rollout of The Manufacturing Mentor, a CHAMPION Now! podcast featuring manufacturing stories, perspectives and career guidance. Iverson plans to draw on more than 45 years in the metalcutting industry and experience from more than 100 podcast interviews. The organization is accepting podcast sponsors for its 2027 season.
About CHAMPION Now!
Founded in 2012, CHAMPION Now! is a 501(c)(3) organization that works to change perceptions about manufacturing careers through Camp CHAMP, books, video and mentoring. Its board includes Roy Sweatman of Southern Manufacturing Technologies, Grady Cope of Reata Engineering, Jerry Rex of Rex Connects, Carrie Kurczynski of GE Vernova, Paul Wahnish of Wahnish Consulting and founder Terry M. Iverson of Iverson Consulting.
For more information, visit championnow.org. Learn more about IMTS at imts.com.
