10 Jun Blue Springs Economic Development Corporation Supports High School Engineering Innovation
BLUE SPRINGS, MO (June 5, 2014) — The Blue Springs Economic Development Corporation
(EDC), with participation from Grow Blue Springs, invested $5,000 to support Zechariah Lefholz
and Michael Alexander, both seniors at Blue Springs High School, in continued development of
their NFC Lock, a device designed to open locks using an automated system.
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Engineering and Design students from Blue Springs and Blue
Springs South High Schools were presented with a real life problem and were tasked with
creating a solution to the problem over the course of the school year. They were guided by
Angelia Schnakenberg, PLTW instructor for both schools. The EDC team evaluated the senior
students’ projects in May and considered their research, viability of the solution, presentation
and the potential for being marketed. Out of 13 projects, the team awarded Zechariah and
Michael’s project with the opportunity to use $5,000 in funding to advance their product to
market as well as the opportunity to work with area business resources and subject matter
mentors to assist them in launching the initiative.
The EDC and Grow Blue Springs recognize the future of the community depends on
engagement and support of local youth entrepreneurship through the investment of time and
money. The organizations were supported in their efforts to make the program investment
through the generous support of: Blue Springs EDC, Lyle Shaver, Kim Deveny, Blue Springs
School District Foundation, The Mayor’s Fund, Ecto Development and LEAD Bank, and UCM.
These supporters are committed to working with the Blue Springs School District to support
student innovation and entrepreneurship.
About BSEDC
Since 2005, the Blue Springs Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has been an integral
component of community growth. By facilitating policy development, EDC helps set the stage for
the future of Blue Springs. This includes business development activities that lead to the
creation of jobs and community wealth. EDC’s role is to help attract well-placed, thoughtful and
planned growth that meets the community’s needs while positioning Blue Springs as a
“community of choice.” To do this, EDC develops programs and initiatives that foster and shape
development and investment in the community. EDC is charged with proactively providing
assistance to companies and individuals seeking to open, locate or expand their business in
Blue Springs ranging from startups and entrepreneurs to existing employers and new
companies.
CONTACT: Brien Starner, 816.228.0209
bstarner@bluespringsedc.com
