TERRE HAUTE, Ind –  This Saturday (12/8/18)  Santa’s helpers are going to be even more organized this holiday season as Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology students have streamlined the assembly process to provide 415 new bicycles to help the community and those less fortunate.

Groups of students examined the bicycle assembly process while learning lean manufacturing principles in a course taught this fall and past spring by Jay McCormack, associate professor of mechanical engineering. Also, a team of five other students wrote assembly instruction manuals for volunteers as part of a technical communications course. Finally, Human Powered Vehicle team members and other students use their knowledge of bicycle mechanics to inspect each bicycle before distribution.

For the 20th straight year, approximately 200 students will play a significant role in the campus’ largest community service project, assisting Terre Haute’s Chances and Services for Youth organization.

Assembly project volunteers include members of Rose-Hulman’s fraternity and sorority organizations, athletic teams, residence life staff and other student groups, along with the Facilities Operations Office staff.