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Nominations Sought for the 2021 Emerging Elite in Manufacturing and Outstanding Industry Educator Awards

Charleston, WV, March 10, 2021 – The Explore the New Manufacturing Program announced today that nominations would be accepted for two distinguished awards, the Emerging Elite in Manufacturing Award and the Outstanding Industry Educator Award.

The Explore Program is seeking nominations for West Virginia high school students and educators who have exceled in career readiness fields, technical education, and STEM classes that focus on manufacturing careers. Nominations will also be accepted for middle schools that creatively engage students in career literacy programing.

“We are honored to work with exceptional educators and students from across the state and want to recognize their diligence and commitment. The pandemic has created numerous challenges for teaching and learning, yet we’ve witnessed educators and students determinedly rise beyond these constraints to excel. Through this recognition, the Explore Program aims to share their stories with the rest of the state,” said Explore the New Manufacturing Program Director Monica Cross.

Nominations can be made by visiting https://www.exploremfgwv.com/nominations

Who can nominate:

  • Educators

  • Students

  • Community Members

Emerging Elite in Manufacturing Nomination Requirements:

  • West Virginia high school studentMust be engaged in career readiness courses that apply to the manufacturing industry.

  • Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Outstanding Industry Educator Nomination Requirements:

  • Middle and high school educators must be active in the West Virginia school system for the 2020-21 school year.

  • Instruction in career readiness fields, technical education, and STEM classes that focus on manufacturing careers.

Outstanding Industry Educator Middle School Nomination Requirements:

  • Excels in career readiness curriculum.

  • Subject matter does not have to focus solely on manufacturing.

Winners will receive a $500 award designated for scholarships, certification fees, specialty equipment, or classroom supplies. Each winner will also receive a commemorative wood plaque and a West Virginia Maker gift bag featuring some of the state’s best produced items.

Nomination closes at midnight on March 26, 2021.

Program Sponsors

Major financial underwriting is provided by

Upcoming Dates

19 Apr
MIC - MID-OHIO Region - Judging
Date 04.19.2024 - 04.25.2024
29 Apr
Regional Awards - MID-OHIO VALLEY / WVU Parkersburg / 5:30-8:30pm
04.29.2024 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
1 May
MIC - Judging for state awards
05.01.2024 - 05.07.2024
1 May
SVC - Judging for state awards
05.01.2024 - 05.07.2024
2 May
Workshop - Earth Day New River Tamarack
05.02.2024 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
11 May
Strawberry Festival Showcase
05.11.2024 - 05.19.2024

Updates from Explore

Contact us and get involved!

Interested in getting involved with the Explore the New Manufacturing Program?

We are looking for manufacturers, schools, teachers, and community members to
help us expand our efforts throughout West Virginia.

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