Mazak Hosts Junior Academy Presentation with Northern Kentucky University

FLORENCE, Ky., June 22, 2026 – Mazak North America and the Northern Kentucky University Center for Integrative Natural Science and Mathematics (CINSAM) will host a special STEM junior academy showcase at Mazak North America from 10:30 a.m. to noon on June 26, 2026. Entitled "Machining Minds: A Mazak Technology Experience," the program will present engineering projects designed and built by 20 rising seventh to 10th-grade students during a weeklong NKU STEM camp hosted at Mazak. During the camp, students learned about advanced manufacturing careers as they worked alongside NKU mentors and Mazak manufacturing professionals to create custom metal nameplates, build hydraulic machines and program robots.

Members of the local media are invited to attend the June 26 showcase to see the students' innovative projects and learn how hands-on STEM experiences prepare a new generation for careers in engineering, advanced manufacturing and technology. Dan Janka, president of Mazak North America, will address the showcase and welcome visitors. NKU president Cady Short-Thompson is slated to attend the family open house and speak with student participants and their families. The families of all 20 student participants will enjoy an open house during the festivities, and attendees also will see the Mazak facility through catwalk-style tours.

“Our partnership with NKU is an investment in the next generation and future of our industry,” says Janka. “By introducing young people to advanced technologies, engineering concepts and hands-on problem solving, we can help spark interests that lead to rewarding manufacturing careers."

The event highlights Mazak's strong partnership with NKU, including workforce development and career pathways, internship and employment opportunities for students and graduates, and collaborative STEM outreach that benefits the entire Northern Kentucky region. Future NKY summer STEM programming will include a hands-on engineering experience designed to introduce students to modern manufacturing tools, technologies and careers. Participants in this Machining Minds program will explore machining, computer-aided design (CAD) and engineering challenges alongside Mazak professionals and NKU STEM mentors.