WSCAM Middle School Video Contest
The What’s So Cool About Manufacturing Video Contest began in the Pittsburgh region in 2014 and has been growing immensely since then! The contest supports Catalyst Connection’s effort to build a strong pipeline of talent and give young people a new perspective on the exciting career opportunities that exist in manufacturing.
To participate in the contest, a team of 7 students in grades 7th and 8th create a short 2:30 minute manufacturing video for their peers, parents, and community explaining what they think is so cool and rewarding about manufacturing! The contest culminates each year in the spring with voting and a wonderful celebratory and educational award ceremony!
To view all videos from our Southwestern Pennsylvania contests since 2013 and all contests from across the state visit WSCAM Video Library | What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?
BENEFITS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS:
Explore the world of manufacturing
Express themselves through creative storytelling
Work with video equipment and editing software
Learn project management and marketing skills
Work as a professional team on a project
WHAT IS PROVIDED?
All schools receive a video kit at no cost
Grant funding to cover transportation and substitute costs
Partnership with a local manufacturing company
Program support throughout from Catalyst Connection
Learn more about the program by watching the quick video below!
2025-26 Participants
| Allegheny Valley School District | Pittsburgh Central | ZOLL |
| Apollo Ridge School District | Pittsburgh Central | Metal Solutions |
| Blackhawk School District | Pittsburgh Central | Adams Manufacturing |
| Butler Area School District – TEAM 1 | Pittsburgh Central | JV Manufacturing |
| Butler Area School District – TEAM 2 | Pittsburgh Central | Butler Technologies |
| Canon-McMillan School District | Pittsburgh Central | SMS Group |
| Chartiers Houston School District | Pittsburgh Central | Giffin Interiors |
| Deer Lakes School District | Pittsburgh Central | Hellbender, Inc. |
| Freeport Area School District | Pittsburgh Central | EPD Electronics |
| Highlands School District | Pittsburgh Central | Oberg Industries |
| Keystone Oaks School District | Pittsburgh Central | Mancinis |
| Mohawk Area School District | Pittsburgh Central | Hall Industries |
| Moon Area School District | Pittsburgh Central | Kobold USA |
| Mt. Lebanon School District | Pittsburgh Central | Haemonetics |
| New Brighton School District | Pittsburgh Central | Kenson Plastics |
| Norwin School District | Pittsburgh Central | FS Elliott |
| Shaler Area School District – TEAM 1 | Pittsburgh Central | MEPPI |
| Shaler Area School District – TEAM 2 | Pittsburgh Central | Ace Wire Spring |
| South Allegheny School District | Pittsburgh Central | Kurt J Lesker |
| Woodland Hills School District | Pittsburgh Central | Premier Automation |
| Belle Vernon Area School District | Pittsburgh East | DMI Companies |
| Connellsville School District | Pittsburgh East | Intervala |
| Franklin Regional School District | Pittsburgh East | EH-Schwab |
| Greater Johnstown School District | Pittsburgh East | J&J Truck Bodies |
| Indiana Area School District | Pittsburgh East | Clark Metal Products |
| Monessen City School District | Pittsburgh East | General Carbide Corporation |
| River Valley School District | Pittsburgh East | JWF Industries |
| Somerset Area School District | Pittsburgh East | Martin Baker Americas |
Special thank you to our sponsors!
