Middle school students from across the Pittsburgh East region took center stage today at the What’s So Cool About Manufacturing® (WSCAM) Middle School Video Contest Awards Ceremony, celebrating creativity, teamwork, and real‑world career exploration in manufacturing. Held at Westmoreland County Community College’s Youngwood Campus in the Student Achievement Center, the event brought together eight student teams, educators, and manufacturing partners to recognize outstanding student-produced videos highlighting modern manufacturing careers and companies.
Celebrating Student Achievement in Manufacturing Storytelling
Throughout the program, teams were recognized for excellence in categories including Best Overall, Manufacturing Message, Creativity, Career Story, and Editing. These student teams worked closely with local manufacturers to tell authentic stories about innovation, technology, and career pathways in manufacturing.
Pittsburgh East Contest Winners Winners
We are proud to recognize the outstanding work of all participating teams. Congratulations to the following Pittsburgh Central Region winners:
Best Overall
🥇 Somerset Area + Martin Baker (heading to states!)
🥈 Belle Vernon Area + DMI Companies
Best Manufacturing Message
🥇 Greater Johnstown + J&J Truck Bodies
🥈 Somerset Area + Martin Baker
🥉 Apollo Ridge + Metal Solutions
Outstanding Creativity
🥇 Franklin Regional + EH‑Schwab
🥈 Connellsville Area + Intervala
🥉 Indiana Area + Clark Metal Products
Best Career Story
🥇 Belle Vernon Area + DMI Companies
🥈 River Valley + JWF Industries
Most Effective Editing
🥇 Somerset Area + Martin Baker
🥈 River Valley + JWF Industries
Best Promotion
🥇 Franklin Regional + EH‑Schwab
Rookie School
🥇 Belle Vernon Area + DMI Companies
Viewer’s Choice
🥇 Indiana Area + Clark Metal Products
🥈 Belle Vernon Area + DMI Companies
Student Choice
🥇 Belle Vernon Area + DMI Companies
🥈 Connellsville Area + Intervala
Hands-On Career Exploration After the Awards
Following the awards ceremony, students continued their experience with hands-on learning activities, including:
- A tour of Made @ Westmoreland, WCCC’s makerspace supporting advanced manufacturing and skilled trades
- An interactive drone activity led by the Private Industry Council, introducing students to emerging technology while having fun
These experiences help students connect classroom learning to real-world applications and explore future career possibilities in manufacturing and STEM fields.
Inspiring the Future Manufacturing Workforce. The What’s So Cool About Manufacturing® Video Contest gives middle school students an early look at today’s manufacturing industry—one that is innovative, high-tech, and full of opportunity.
Congratulations to all participating students, educators, and manufacturing partners for making the Pittsburgh East regional competition such a success. Their creativity and collaboration continue to prove that manufacturing is cool!
