Middle school is a crucial period for students to begin thinking about their long-term educational and career goals. Career exploration activities open students’ minds and help them align their academic choices, such as elective courses and extracurricular activities, with their future aspirations. By starting early, students have more time to acquire the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to meet the future workforce needs of the industry.

Are you a manufacturer wondering how you’re going to find your future workforce?
You’re well aware of the shortage of skilled workers. However, many of today’s students are not aware of the diverse and evolving nature of modern manufacturing. You play an important role in sharing the innovative technologies, advancements, and varied opportunities in this sector. Only you can broaden students’ understanding of the industry beyond traditional stereotypes and encourage them to consider manufacturing as a viable and rewarding career choice.

Are you a teacher or administrator looking for fun, project-based career exploration activities?
You know that exposure to career pathways at the middle school level allows students to explore a wide range of options early on. Manufacturing is a driving force in our local and national economies. Helping young people actually experience the different roles, skills, and opportunities available within the industry will hopefully spark interest and passion for STEM and manufacturing-related fields.

About the Contest
WSCM is a free program aligned with PA Standards that give 7^th & 8th-grade students a practical understanding of how products are made and how various industries rely on manufacturing processes. We help students connect classroom learning to real-world applications and promote an appreciation for the importance of manufacturing in driving innovation and economic growth.

• Each team receives instructions, curriculum, and hands-on support in videography and editing; first-time schools receive all necessary equipment
• Students visit a local manufacturer and film their experience, then work together to edit and produce a short video highlighting their assigned company’s technology, employees, and/or products
• Local judges evaluate all submitted videos for “Emmy”-type award categories and online voters determine the coveted “Viewer’s Choice” Award at the regional level
• Regional winners advance to the statewide contest
• Each student earns an artifact for their 339 folders

MANTEC supports school districts in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York Counties.

Contact Cindi Moses for more information and how you can contribute.

Students engaged with the WSCAM program process will work toward the development of academic standards, including: 

• Standard Area 1.6.8: Speaking and Listening 
• Standard Area 1.8.8: Research 
• Standard Area 1.9: Information, Communication, and Technology Literacy 
• Standard Area 3.4: Technology and Engineering Education 
• Standard Area 13: Career Awareness and Preparation 

Original funding was partially furnished by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).