Students from across North Central Pennsylvania are putting the finishing touches on their videos for the 9th Annual What’s So Cool About Manufacturing™ Video Contest, a regional initiative that connects students with local manufacturers through hands-on learning and storytelling.
The contest brings together middle and high school students from Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, and Potter counties, pairing them with regional manufacturers to explore what makes modern manufacturing innovative, creative, and essential to the local economy. Student teams work alongside industry partners to learn about advanced technology, career pathways, and workplace skills, then translate those experiences into short, student-produced videos.
This year’s participating teams include the following school and manufacturer partnerships:
- Johnsonburg Area Junior-Senior High School with BWP Bats LLC
- Leo Catholic School with American Axle & Manufacturing – St. Marys Facility
- Smethport Area Junior-Senior High School with Zippo Manufacturing Company
- Saint Marys Middle School with Amphenol Advanced Sensors
- Kane Area Middle School with Beverage-Air Corporation
- Cameron County Junior-Senior High School with Embassy Powdered Metals Inc.
- Coudersport Area Junior-Senior High School with Phoenix Sintered Metals Galeton LLC
- Brockway Area Junior-Senior High School with Miller Fabrication Solutions
The public is invited to support student teams by voting for the Viewer’s Choice Award. Online voting will be open from March 17 through March 19 at https://www.whatssocool.org/contests/north-central-pa/.
The contest will culminate with a Manufacturing Expo and Awards Ceremony on March 26 at The Red Fern in Kersey, PA. During the Manufacturing Expo, students will have the opportunity to learn through hands-on activities that highlight manufacturing careers and technologies. The event will conclude with an awards ceremony, allowing students to see their hard work and creativity recognized as awards are presented.
“Programs like What’s So Cool About Manufacturing give students a chance to see what’s possible right here in their own communities,” said Amber Biondi, Executive Administrative Assistant with Workforce Solutions for North Central PA. “By working directly with local manufacturers, students gain real-world insight, build confidence, and discover career pathways they may not have considered before.”
The 9th Annual What’s So Cool About Manufacturing™ Video Contest is made possible through the support of regional sponsors. Platinum sponsors include American Axle & Manufacturing and Penn United. Silver sponsors include Beverage-Air and American Refining Group, while Bronze sponsors include Penn Pallet and Collins Pine/Kane Hardwood. Their support helps strengthen connections between education and industry while inspiring the next generation of skilled workers.
For more information about the contest or Workforce Solutions for North Central PA, visit www.workforcesolutionspa.com or call 814-245-1835.
Workforce Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary Aids and Services are available to individuals with disabilities. Funded in whole or in part by Federal Funds. Detailed information can be found at https://www.workforcesolutionspa.com/categories/resources/pages/stevens-amendment.
