A Wylie High School senior is proving that big ideas don’t have to wait until college. Through hands-on engineering coursework and exposure to local manufacturing partners, Luke Schonerstedt is already designing solutions with the potential to change lives.
Luke’s journey is a powerful example of what happens when classroom learning connects with real-world experience—and how strong community partnerships can turn student curiosity into meaningful innovation.
Designing with Purpose: Luke’s Engineering Project
Luke Schonerstedt, a senior at Wylie High School, has always gravitated toward math and science. With aspirations of becoming a biomechanical engineer, he has spent his high school years intentionally building the skills needed to reach that goal.
In his engineering class, Luke is developing a year-long project: a 3D prototype of a prosthetic hand. While many prosthetics rely on complex robotic components to function, Luke’s design focuses on simplifying movement—reducing the need for intricate mechanical systems while maintaining functionality.
“I want to design things that are going to help people,” Luke said. “And impact the world.”
Luke with CTE Instructor Mr. Vann
Why It Matters: When Engineering Meets Manufacturing
Great ideas don’t stop at design—they require a pathway to production. That’s where manufacturing plays a critical role.
Through classroom instruction and community exposure, Luke has learned that engineering concepts become impactful only when they can be produced, scaled, and shared. Manufacturing turns innovation into access, allowing ideas born in classrooms to reach people who need them most.
This connection between engineering and manufacturing is a core focus of Wylie ISD’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathways—helping students understand not just what they can design, but how those designs reach the world.
Community Partnerships in Action: BCMA & WOW
Luke’s experience was expanded through opportunities provided by the Big Country Manufacturing Alliance (BCMA) and its World of Work (WOW) initiative.
WOW introduces students to a wide range of manufacturing careers through facility tours, industry presentations, and hands-on exposure to local businesses. For Luke, the experience was eye-opening.
“WOW helped me see how vast manufacturing really is,” he said. “When you design something, manufacturing is how you get it out to others.”
These partnerships reflect a larger regional effort across West Central Texas, where education, industry, and workforce organizations are collaborating to strengthen talent pipelines and create long-term economic opportunity.
As Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas CEO Amelia Reeves noted, the goal is to make a broader impact by aligning education with industry needs—ensuring students are prepared for high-wage, high-demand careers close to home.
A Culture of Opportunity at Wylie High School
Wylie High School Principal Reagan Berry says Luke’s story reflects the strength of Wylie’s CTE programs and the educators behind them.
“I’m amazed at our students! What a gift Mr. Vann has been to the Wylie CTE program and the partnerships that are continually fostered by our teachers so that students, like Luke, can have these incredible experiences that are far reaching and vastly impactful.”
From engineering and robotics to real-world career exposure, Wylie educators are intentional about creating opportunities that extend beyond the classroom—connecting students to pathways that matter.
What’s Next: How to Get Involved
For students:
Wylie ISD students interested in engineering, robotics, or manufacturing careers are encouraged to explore CTE pathways available at Wylie High School. These programs provide hands-on learning, industry exposure, and a foundation for both college and career success.
For industry and community partners:
Local businesses and organizations play a vital role in student success. Opportunities include hosting facility tours, mentoring students, supporting internships, or collaborating on classroom projects. These partnerships help ensure today’s students are ready to become tomorrow’s workforce.
As Featured in Fed Communities
Fed Communities recently highlighted Luke’s story and the broader impact of education-industry collaboration in West Central Texas, showcasing how initiatives like BCMA and WOW are helping students connect learning to real-world opportunity.
“WOW helped me see when you design something, manufacturing is really the way you get it out to others.” — Luke Schonerstedt
👉 Read the full feature:
Industry, Workforce, and Education Advance Together to Strengthen West Texas’s Manufacturing Sector
https://fedcommunities.org/stories/industry-workforce-education-advance-together-strengthen-west-texas-manufacturing-sector/