Explore the New Manufacturing announced today the receipt of a $10,000 grant from Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia to support programming initiatives that will directly benefit students in the Kanawha and Mid-Ohio Regions, with a primary focus on Cabell, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, and Putnam counties. The funding will support interactive educational activities designed to generate student awareness and enthusiasm for careers in manufacturing, as well as the educational pathways leading to those opportunities.

Explore the New Manufacturing is pleased to announce the 2024 State Manufacturing Innovation Challenge Champion is Putnam Career & Technical Center for their project with Toyota West Virginia. 

Representing the Kanawha Valley Region, Putnam Career & Technical Center’s Project Lead the Way Engineering Class developed a method for preventing a potential ergonomic issue in the Positive Crankcase Ventilation installment process of the Short-Block Sub-Assembly for Toyota West Virginia.

The FIRST PLACE recipient of the 2024 West Virginia Best Manufacturing Message Award is Blennerhassett Middle School for their video about Mister Bee Potato Chips Company.  Blennerhassett's winning video showcases what’s cool about Mister Bee’s and their famous potato chips.

Blennerhassett Middle School Team: Karissa Epperly, Ihla Freshour, Evan Mace, Alice Abbott, Hayla Delancey, Payton Sellers, Madison May, Lillian Bryant, Caysen Litton, Raylen Reeder, Alexandra Smith, Julia Sharpe, Easton Wolfe, Jalyn Eddy, Paisley Maone, Sophia Williams, Jayden Kelley, Izabella Robinson, Jude Barre, and Alexis Seiders.

Explore the New Manufacturing made a surprise award presentation to Whitney Scholl at the organization’s Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Award Ceremony. Scholl was presented with a 2024 Outstanding Industry Educator Award in the middle school category. The award celebrates skilled and dedicated educators working to increase the understanding of manufacturing careers available in West Virginia. Scholl, a science educator, teaches at Ripley Middle School. She will receive a $500 award designated for classroom enhancement, in addition to a commemorative wooden plaque and gift basket featuring products made in West Virginia. 

Explore the New Manufacturing is pleased to announce the winners of the Explore Student Video Contest Mid-Ohio Region. Five middle school teams were judged on the creation of a 3-minute video about their manufacturing partner, the employees, and cool aspects of the company.

The FIRST PLACE recipient of the Best Manufacturing Message Award is Blennerhassett Middle School for their video about Mister Bee Potato Chips Company.  Blennerhassett's winning video showcases what’s cool about Mister Bee’s and their famous potato chips.