Recent Press

Press Releases, News & Updates from Explore and all of our education efforts.

Eric Younkins Receives 2023 Outstanding Industry Educator Award from the Explore the New Manufacturing Program

youngkinThe Explore the New Manufacturing Program announced today that Eric Younkins has been recognized with an Outstanding Industry Educator award. Younkins, a welding instructor, is employed at the United Technical Center. He will receive a $500 award designated for classroom enhancement. He will also be presented with a commemorative wooden plaque and gift basket featuring products made in West Virginia. 

“Eric Younkins has consistently supplied his students with learning opportunities that are always current with industry standards,” noted Ray Frazier, assistant director at the United Technical Center. “Younkins was instrumental in obtaining American Welding Society Certification for his shop, the first in the state. Consequently, his students are always prepared to meet the demands of the current standards of the welding industry.”

James Overbaugh Receives 2023 Outstanding Industry Educator Award from the Explore the New Manufacturing Program

overbaughThe Explore the New Manufacturing program announced today that James Overbaugh has been recognized with an Outstanding Industry Educator award.  Overbaugh, a robotics and manufacturing instructor, is employed at the Ben Franklin Career Center (BFCC). He will receive a $500 award designated for classroom enhancement. He will also be presented with a commemorative wooden plaque and gift basket featuring products made in West Virginia. 

“With 20 years of manufacturing experience under his belt, Mr. Overbaugh has shown complete dedication to the students in his Robotics program,” noted Jennifer Reynolds, BFCC.  “He is always working toward getting the newest equipment and instruction for his students, pushes them to be better versions of themselves, and makes them believe that there is nothing they can't achieve.”

Jackson Middle School and Simonton Windows Team Up for the Explore Student Video Contest

Explore the New Manufacturing is pleased to release Jackson Middle School’s video submission in the North Central region of the Explore Student Video Contest.  The video showcases Simonton Windows, a member of Cornerstone Building Brands, West Virginia production facilities.

The students are competing for three regional awards: Outstanding Creativity, Best Manufacturing Message, and the Viewer's Choice.  Visit https://www.exploremfgwv.com/2023-north-central-region-video-contest to view the Jackson Middle School video and cast your vote in the Viewer’s Choice Contest.  Voting closes on March 19th at midnight.

Taylor County Middle School and Dyna-Mix Team Up for the Explore Student Video Contest

Explore the New Manufacturing is pleased to release Lincoln Middle School’s video submission in the North Central region of the Explore Student Video Contest.  The video provides insight into Dyna-Mix's custom rubber compounding process designed to meet customer needs.

The students are competing for three regional awards: Outstanding Creativity, Best Manufacturing Message, and the Viewer's Choice.  Visit https://www.exploremfgwv.com/2023-north-central-region-video-contest  to view the Taylor County Middle School video and cast your vote in the Viewer’s Choice contest. Voting closes on March 19th at midnight.

Lincoln Middle School and FCX Systems, Inc.Team Up for the Explore Student Video Contest

Explore the New Manufacturing is pleased to release Lincoln Middle School’s video submission in the North Central region of the Explore Student Video Contest.  The video is a snapshot of how FCX has become a leader in the solid state power conversion industry. 

The students are competing for three regional awards: Outstanding Creativity, Best Manufacturing Message, and the Viewer's Choice.  Visit https://www.exploremfgwv.com/2023-north-central-region-video-contest to view the Lincoln Middle School video and cast your vote in the Viewer’s Choice Contest.  Voting closes on March 19th at midnight.

Program Sponsors

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Upcoming Dates

28 Mar
SVC - EASTERN Region - Viewer's Choice Voting
Date 03.28.2024 - 04.04.2024
28 Mar
SVC - EASTERN Region Judging
03.28.2024 - 04.03.2024
29 Mar
MIC - NORTH CENTRAL Region - Deadline Final Presentation to Manufacturer
03.29.2024
29 Mar
MIC - EASTERN Region - Judging
03.29.2024 - 04.04.2024
29 Mar
MIC - MID-OHIO Region - Deadline Draft Technical Report
03.29.2024
31 Mar
Regional Awards - NORTH CENTRAL / Bridgeport Conference Center / 5:30-8:30pm
03.31.2024 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Updates from Explore

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