From Classroom to Career: How Hands-On Learning is Shaping Sam Rodgers’ Path

From Classroom to Career: How Hands-On Learning is Shaping Sam Rodgers’ Path

When Sam Rodgers first enrolled in electronics classes at Warwick High School, he didn’t imagine they would help shape his future. Now a senior in the Class of 2026, Sam is interning at a Department of Defense contractor and exploring a career in electrical engineering thanks in part to hands-on experiences made possible through Warwick Education Foundation grants.

Sam’s interest in electronics truly sparked during a CoDrones course taught by Warwick High School Technology Education Teacher Ken Boland. The programmable drones were purchased through a Warwick Education Foundation grant in 2023, allowing students to learn how digital circuitry, coding, and hardware come together in real-world applications.

“At first, the math and science were tough,” Sam admitted. Topics like Ohm’s Law and circuit theory felt intimidating. But once the drones arrived, Sam’s engagement shifted. “I liked both flying them and programming them,” he shared. “That’s when I realized I actually enjoy this.”

The turning point came during the final project. Students were asked to choreograph a drone to “dance” to a song of their choice. Inspired by his mom, Sam chose Love Never Felt So Good. Without telling his teacher, Sam worked on the project at home, meticulously planning every movement down to the second in a detailed Google Doc. On presentation day, Sam impressed not only his classmates but also Mr. Boland, who still uses Sam’s project as an example for future students.

“I was blown away by Sam’s project,” Mr. Boland said. “It showed how creativity, problem-solving, and persistence can come together when students have the right tools.”

That momentum carried Sam into the next phase of the course, where students built Bluetooth speakers from scratch, learning how to solder and assemble functional electronics. The confidence Sam gained through these projects helped him take a bold next step.

At the start of the 2025-2026 school year, Sam applied for a student internship at Sechan Electronics, a local electronics manufacturer that works with major defense contractors like Boeing and Raytheon. He was accepted within a day. At Sechan, Sam assembles hardware components, solders electronic parts, and helps harness cables, skills that are directly connected to what he learned in class.

“I wanted to get the ball rolling in my adult life,” Sam said. “If it weren’t for the Warwick Education Foundation, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”

For Mr. Boland, seeing a student apply classroom learning to a real-world career is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching. “Without grants like this, we couldn’t offer the same depth of learning,” he explained. “These resources empower teachers and open doors for students.”

The future is looking bright for Sam. He plans to pursue a degree in electrical engineering and possibly teaching, with hopes of one day inspiring students the way his teachers inspired him.

Stories like Sam’s show the long-term impact of investing in education. When educators are supported, and students are given meaningful opportunities, classrooms become launchpads for futures to take flight.