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!
2026-27 Participants
| School | Company |
| Allegheny Valley School District | EPD Electronics |
| Belle Vernon Area School District | Kurt J Lesker |
| Blackhawk School District | Kenson Plastics |
| Burrell School District | Norma Group |
| Butler Area School District Team 1 | Keystone Ridge Designs |
| Butler Area School District Team 2 | Kiski Precision |
| Canon-McMillan School District | Haemonetics |
| Chartiers Houston School District | PA Transformer |
| Connellsville School District | TSI Touch |
| Deer Lakes School District | Oberg Industries |
| Franklin Regional School District | FS Elliott |
| Freeport Area School District | Tri-Form |
| Greater Johnstown School District | Cambria County Association for the Blind and Handicapped |
| Highlands School District | Butler Technologies |
| Indiana Area School District | Miller Fabrication |
| Keystone Oaks School District | Giffin Interiors |
| Mohawk Area School District | JADCO |
| Moon Area School District | BEA, Inc. |
| Mt. Lebanon School District | Sarris Candies |
| New Brighton School District | ARDEX |
| Norwin School District | EH Schwab |
| Shaler Area School District Team 1 | Mancinis |
| Shaler Area School District Team 2 | Hellbender, Inc. |
| Somerset Area School District | Kitron |
| South Allegheny School District | DMI Companies |
| Woodland Hills School District | JV Manufacturing |
Special thank you to our sponsors!
