When we launched the What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? Middle School Video Contest in Southwestern Pennsylvania, our goal was and still is simple: to inspire young minds to explore the exciting world of manufacturing. Over the years, we’ve seen incredible creativity, enthusiasm, and talent from students as they uncover the hidden wonders of local manufacturers. While many of these middle school students may go on to explore careers in STEM and manufacturing in high school and beyond, some discover unexpected passions that shape their future in other ways.
One such story comes from Grace, who participated in our contest during middle school at Norwin School District and is now pursuing a degree in broadcast journalism at Penn State University. Her journey is a testament to how hands-on experiences can ignite a love for storytelling, even if the path leads beyond a manufacturing facility floor.
Here’s what she had to say:
“I’m so excited to study broadcast journalism this fall, and I cannot thank WSCAM enough for introducing me to my future career! Through WSCAM, I had the opportunity to conduct multiple interviews and shoot film for the first time. I learned so much about manufacturing in my community, and I fell in love with telling stories through B-roll shots and interview clips. My experience with WSCAM broadened my horizons and led me to the amazing field of broadcasting. Without WSCAM, I would not be where I am today!”
While we always hope to see students pursue careers in manufacturing, we also celebrate stories like hers—where the contest serves as a launchpad for exploration, creativity, and career discovery. Her experience highlights the contest’s broader impact: introducing students to industries they may not have known about, helping them develop valuable communication and technical skills, and inspiring future storytellers, engineers, and leaders alike.
At its core, What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? is about opening doors. Whether those doors lead to manufacturing, journalism, engineering, or another path, we’re proud to be a part of each student’s journey. Learn more about the statewide program here: HOME – What’s So Cool About Manufacturing®
Do you have a story to share about how the contest influenced you or someone you know? We’d love to hear it!