TEST-DRIVE A CAREER WITH BIG IDEAS MOBILE LAB

On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the Slayton Public Library and Murray County 4-H will host a special career event for young people: the Big Ideas Mobile Lab. This hands-on demo is free and specifically designed for students who have just completed grades 5–12. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the 4-H Building at the Murray County Fairgrounds. Registration is appreciated! Sign-up at z.umn.edu/ bigideas2026.

Big Ideas is a Minnesotabased non-profit that provides a traveling classroom where you can discover a variety of skilled trades all in one place. Participants use state-of-the-art simulation technology to experience equipment from blue-collar industries. For example, attendees can sit in a professional Caterpillar excavator simulator to practice digging and moving earth. They can also use Virtual Reality (VR) headsets to tour other skilled trades such as carpentry, plumbing, welding, and more. Experts from Big Ideas will be on-site to coach users about the VR equipment and answer questions about working in their particular trades. To learn more about the Big Ideas organization and their mission to celebrate the skilled trades, visit bigideasusa.org/blog To make the morning even better, breakfast will be provided while participants wait for their turn at the various stations. The refreshments are possible thanks to a grant from Prairielands Library Exchange, a regional organization headquartered in Marshall, MN. While the meal is free, the library and 4-H staff ask that participants register so they know how many attendees to feed. Registration is simple! The 3-question survey is open now at z.umn.edu/bigideas2026.

For questions about this event, contact either Kim at the Murray County Extension Office 1-507-836-6927 or Dwayna at the Slayton Public Library 1-507-836-8778.