Twenty-one months is a long time to wait, but we are pleased to announce that Explore the New Manufacturing is once again holding in-person learning events.  We are eager for January, when all our programs will be in full swing. So far, over 75 manufacturing partners and 50 schools are signed up to help us make the 2021-2022 school year our biggest year to date!

A few highlights to look forward to:

• Nominations open on January 10^th for the 2022 “Emerging Elite in Manufacturing” and “Outstanding Industry Educator” awards.
• The What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? Student Video Contest is expanding to four regions.  Mark your calendars now so you can vote from March 28^th through April 24^th for the Viewer’s Choice award-winner in your region.
• The new Statewide Virtual Awards Presentation happens May 4th.  Watch for more details later this spring.

To all our manufacturing and education partners, thank you for your dedication and interest.  The volunteer hours you provide make a huge impact on efforts to help students discover the fun and exciting manufacturing careers available across the Mountain State.  For the foundations and corporate sponsors who provide the essential financial underwriting, thank you for believing in our vision and for your generous support.  And to the students, we are continually amazed by your innovation and talent. We look forward to working with all of you in 2022!

Happy Holidays from Explore the New Manufacturing Program!

For the second year, Explore the New Manufacturing is hosting the Manufacturing Innovation Challenge for high school career and technical education students. Partnering with West Virginia businesses, Manufacturing Innovation Challenge projects give high school teams the opportunity to find solutions to real-world manufacturing problems. Teams tackle existing product problems and develop the application of concept ideas. Each challenge is unique and can come from various aspects of the company's operations. All projects are aligned with West Virginia Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) standards, curriculum, project-based learning efforts, and career exploration programs.