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 and 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; St. 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; and 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 www.whatssocool.org/contests/north-central-pa/.

The contest will culminate with a Manufacturing Expo and awards ceremony on March 26 in Kersey. 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.

“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 with local manufacturers, students gain real-world insight, build confidence,and discover career pathways they may not have considered before.”

For more information about the contest or Workforce Solutions for North Central PA visit www.workforcesolutionspa.com.