Iron Cross Robotics
Precision machining detail

Cohort One · 21 Sep 2026 – late May 2027

Application for Admission

Applications are due 27 August 2026. Allow about 30 minutes. Incomplete applications are not reviewed.

The commitment

Nine hours a week for about eight months. Six of them Monday and Wednesday evenings, 6–9 PM; the other three are open-lab hours students schedule themselves, Mon–Sat, 10 AM – 3 PM.

Eligibility

Applicants must be at least 18 years old by 21 September 2026. We cannot consider applicants who will not have reached 18 by that date.

The credential

Micro-certifications and the SMART Certification are awarded by the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy — professional credentials, not university course credit. Students earn each by meeting the Academy's assessments.

About us

Iron Cross is a faith-based school; we teach robotics inside a Christian understanding of work and character. You do not need to be a Christian to study here. We admit any qualified student and we do not proselytize.

Section 1 Applicant information
Will you be at least 18 on 21 September 2026?
Legally authorized to work in the US?
How did you hear about this program?
Section 2 Background
High school completed

Jobs, summer work, volunteering, projects, a team or club, or things you have built. Anything counts; leave blank if there is nothing yet.

Hands-on experience — check any that apply

None are required. This only helps us pace instruction.

Section 3 Short answer

Answer each in 150–300 words, in your own words. We are far more interested in honesty than polish.

What made you decide not to go straight to college or a job, and what do you want to be able to do next June that you cannot do today?

What was it, what went wrong, and what did you learn? It does not need to be impressive or involve robots. It needs to be yours.

Troubleshooting is most of a technician's job. We want to see how you think when the answer isn't handed to you.

We do not expect you to know. We want to hear how you are thinking about it.

There is no expected answer.

Work, family, transportation, finances — and your plan for them. Candor helps rather than hurts.

Section 4 Commitment and logistics
Attendance policy

Monday and Wednesday tutorials are required and build week to week. Students may miss up to two sessions per module; the count resets each module. A third absence means repeating that module with the following cohort. All four earlier modules must be complete before Robotics Integration.

Can you commit to the full schedule — Mon & Wed 6–9 PM plus 3 lab hours weekly, Sep 2026 – May 2027?
Reliable transportation to Waynesboro?
Which open-lab times generally work best? (Mon–Sat, 10 AM – 3 PM)
Will you be working while enrolled?
Would you like to be considered for assistance with exam or supply costs?

A short form will be sent to you. Requesting assistance does not affect admission decisions.

Sections 5 & 6 Family and reference

Applicants are adults and apply on their own behalf. We ask for a parent or guardian because a gap year works better with family support, and so we can reach someone if needed.

One reference who can speak to your character and work ethic. Not a family member.

Section 7 Statement and signature

By signing below, I affirm that:

  • The information in this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.
  • I will be at least 18 years of age on 21 September 2026.
  • I understand admission is competitive and that applying does not guarantee a place.
  • I have read the attendance policy and understand a third absence in a module means repeating it.
  • I understand Iron Cross Robotics is a faith-based school and that Christian values are taught as part of the program.
  • If admitted, I intend to complete the program and will notify Iron Cross promptly if my circumstances change.
  • I authorize Iron Cross Robotics to contact the reference listed above.

Submitting opens an email to [email protected] with your answers attached in the body. Prefer paper? Ask us for the PDF.

After you apply

What happens next

We review all applications the week of 31 August. Some applicants are invited for a brief conversation. Everyone hears from us by 4 September. Admitted students confirm their place, and orientation follows on 16 September.

Questions? Contact Randy Caldejon at [email protected].

Timeline
Applications due27 Aug
Review week31 Aug
Decisions4 Sep
Orientation16 Sep
Instruction begins21 Sep