Bendix Academy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing students with essential toolmanship skills through hands-on mentorship, has successfully completed its pilot program and is preparing to expand to full-time programming in 2025. The academy’s mission is to inspire the next generation of innovators by equipping them with practical skills that can be applied in both everyday life and future career paths.
The pilot program, launched in 2022, has provided invaluable learning opportunities for participants, allowing them to work directly with experienced mentors who guide them in the use of tools and problem-solving techniques. This mentorship model fosters not only mechanical self-reliance but also critical thinking, discipline, and professional behavior—skills that are essential for success in any field. The Toolmanship Mentoring program is the start of the talent pipeline for trades, engineering, and maintenance.
“The success of our pilot has been beyond our expectations,” said Todd Trainor, Founder and Program Director of Bendix Academy. “We’ve seen firsthand how kids thrive when they’re given the chance to learn in a supportive, hands-on environment. The mentorship component has been key, as our mentors not only teach toolmanship, but also build relationships that boost confidence and spark curiosity in our students.”
“The success of our pilot has been beyond our expectations.” ~ Todd Trainor, Founder and Program Director
Due to the overwhelming demand and positive feedback from the community, Bendix Academy is preparing to expand its programming in 2025. The expansion will allow for a greater number of afterschool and homeschool students aged 12 – 18 to participate, with more opportunities for specialized training in areas such as woodworking, mechanical repair, and engineering concepts.
As Bendix Academy looks ahead to 2025, the organization remains committed to its core values of mentorship, practical learning, and community involvement. With continued support, the academy is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of its students.
Below: Learning how to do hard things requires mastering the basics then moving on. Below are two students experiencing the power of leverage when using tools to lift a car and divide wood.
Above: Lucy jacking up a car
Above: Max sawing board
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