High school students recently got a second look at careers in research and manufacturing through a tour of Siplast's state-of-the-art RISE Center in Arkadelphia, Ark.

Following the success of the first tour in April, this second visit on November 13th, expanded the opportunity for more science, technology, engineering, and mathematics students to receive a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s innovative research and manufacturing processes. Through hands-on learning, the high schoolers gained exposure to career paths available in their hometown.

The RISE (Research, Innovate, Support, and Evolve) Center specializes in testing Siplast’s premium roofing and waterproofing systems while providing educational experiences in roofing science. During the visit, Siplast engineers led students through the 12,500-sq.-ft. facility and engaged them in immersive demonstrations of the site’s advanced equipment, including a wind-pressure testing unit with a 10,000-pound hoist and a 2-/4-inch high-velocity hail cannon. This demonstration provided students with firsthand experience in a lab setting and taught them about the chemistry, physics and engineering principles behind Siplast’s solutions and systems.

In addition to the demonstration, the visit highlighted the wide range of career paths available at Siplast, from engineering and biology to sales and marketing.

“We were glad to welcome back Arkadelphia High School students to the RISE Center,” said Mick Handloser, national training development manager at Siplast. “With more than 100 employees based in Arkadelphia, opportunities like the RISE Center tour allow students to learn about our company’s history, notable projects, and the many roles they may not have previously considered as career options.”

The educational visit is part of Siplast’s ongoing efforts to support local youth and inspire the next generation of professionals in the roofing and building materials industry. 

“It was cool to get to see where my mom and dad work and what they actually do,” said Collin LaFont, a junior at Arkadelphia High School and the son of two Siplast employees. “I can’t say that my mom just sits at the computer all day anymore.”