On November 20th, students from St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School (York Catholic District School Board) spent the day at YSpace building robots.
By 2pm, they were pitching their prototypes. Their Physics teacher, Lauren Lamonaca-Bada, sent us feedback afterward that started with: "I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for the outstanding ICE Manufacturing/Robotics training."
The letter continued: "This experience was incredibly inspiring, not only for the students, but for me as their teacher."
That last part matters. When teachers leave as inspired as their students, something worked.
The ICT SHSM Event
The workshop ran from 9am to 2:30pm at YSpace, York University's innovation incubator. Students worked through hands-on robotics tasks, learning about entrepreneurship and prototyping from industry professionals.
Lauren's feedback described it well: "The presentation and presenter was filled with valuable information on entrepreneurship, product development, prototyping and design planning. Students were not only able to apply these concepts in real time, but were also given a meaningful opportunity to explore potential career pathways in engineering and robotics."
The session used ESP32 microcontrollers and sensors to teach IoT concepts. Students built electronic components, tested them, broke them, fixed them, and eventually got them working. They didn't just follow instructions. They problem-solved collaboratively and discovered why their design choices mattered.
By afternoon, teams pitched their solutions to actual clients. The kind of presentation that makes palms sweat and voices shake. But also the kind that builds confidence when you realize your idea holds up.
The Space Added Something Too
YSpace isn't a classroom pretending to be an innovation hub. It's an actual incubator where real startups prototype and launch. Students saw evidence of that everywhere: the equipment, the open workspace, the entrepreneurs working on real products.
Lauren noted: "The space used was amazing as well! It allowed students a safe, open and fresh space to explore opportunities within the York University Hub and see what an 'incubator of innovation' looks like!"
Context shapes learning. Being in a space where innovation actually happens sends a different message than being told about innovation in a traditional classroom.
What This Means for SHSM Programs
This workshop fulfilled SHSM ICE (Innovation, Creativity, Entrepreneurship) certification requirements. But the value extended beyond checking boxes.
Students from York Catholic District School Board worked alongside facilitators like Vedant Harlalka and received support from YCDSB leaders including Diane Di Meo and Michael Calabrese. The collaboration between school board, LearnIt, and YSpace created something none could deliver alone.
Lauren's closing line: "I look forward to collaborating with you again in the future (I just pre-registered for the Aviation Workshop at Downsview!!)."
One good experience leading directly to the next one. That's how experiential learning programs build momentum.
What Makes These Workshops Different
Across 20+ Ontario school board partnerships, we've learned what works. Students need hands-on application, not just theory. They need real problems to solve, not textbook scenarios. They need space to fail, iterate, and discover solutions themselves.
Teachers need clear communication, professional execution, and confidence that their time investment will pay off. School boards need programs that align with SHSM requirements while delivering genuine skill development.
The ICE Manufacturing workshop at YSpace brought those elements together. Students built robots. Teachers felt inspired. Everyone showed up for the next one.
That's experiential learning working the way it should.
About LearnIt Solutions
LearnIt Solutions partners with Ontario school boards and independent schools to deliver experiential learning programs and SHSM certifications. We work with 20+ school boards and corporate partners to help students develop real world skills and career clarity. Learn more at www.learn-it.ca.
As part of LearnIt Media, we also amplify education innovation stories through our "Behind the Chalkboard" podcast, featuring conversations with Ontario superintendents, principals, and education leaders reimagining student learning.
Founder Dhiraj Hariramani
CEO & Chief Learning Officer, LearnIt Solutions Inc.
Dhiraj founded LearnIt to bridge the gap between classroom theory and career readiness. A UBC graduate and consultant at Accenture, he has directly impacted 10,000+ students across Ontario school boards.
As host of the Behind the Chalkboard podcast, Dhiraj facilitates conversations with education leaders exploring innovation, equity, and student centered approaches to learning.
Connect: LinkedIn | dhiraj@learn-it.ca | +1 (236) 788 6830