Manufacturers Resource Center Launches Video Contest

The annual initiative invites Pennsylvania students to create videos highlighting regional manufacturing careers.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Secondary Education

Gouache-painted illustration of an industrial gear and film tripod, representing a student manufacturing video competition. — The Manufacturers Resource Center launched its 14th annual student video contest, inviting Pennsylvania middle schoolers to profile regional manufacturing businesses. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do school-industry partnerships effectively help students explore and prepare for local career paths?

The Manufacturers Resource Center launched its 14th annual student manufacturing video contest in October 2026. The program tasks middle school teams with producing professional profile videos in partnership with local manufacturing companies.

Why it matters

The contest aims to drive student interest in manufacturing career paths while promoting STEM and career and technical education. By bridging the gap between classrooms and industry, the program provides students with tangible exposure to potential future fields.

Since 2013, the program has generated 1,602 student-created manufacturing videos across 60 percent of Pennsylvania school districts. The current iteration includes 29 participating middle schools.

The players

Manufacturers Resource Center

This organization promotes the growth of the manufacturing industry through education, workforce development, and operational support services.

The details

Student teams collaborate directly with manufacturers to handle the entire production process, including developing, shooting, and editing their videos. These projects then compete in regional contests before advancing to a statewide awards competition.

The program was first launched by the Manufacturers Resource Center in 2013.
Public voting for the Viewers Choice Award is scheduled for March 17-19, 2027.
The Lehigh Valley Awards event will take place on April 1, 2027.

Culture Shift

This program aligns with the nationwide growth in CTE and STEM education initiatives designed to prepare younger students for modern industrial roles. It represents a broader societal shift toward prioritizing practical, skill-based learning over traditional academic pathways.

Participating students gain hands-on experience with modern production tools and potential future employers within their home counties. Families and community members can engage with the program by participating in the public voting process for the Viewers Choice Award.

The takeaway

This contest effectively demystifies the manufacturing sector for young students through creative multimedia projects. Educators and parents can use these resources to help students identify early career interests in local STEM and industrial fields.