What’s So Cool About Manufacturing Video Contest
Project Purpose
Catalyst Connection created the Explore the New Manufacturing Program to help build a strong pipeline of talent and give young people a new perspective on the exciting career opportunities that exist now. The What’s So Cool About Manufacturing Video Contest supports this effort by having students create a manufacturing video for their peers, parents and teachers.
Program Outcomes
- Create regional awareness of careers in manufacturing
- Provide teacher professional development
- Share peer-to-peer videos online to promote manufacturing and possible career opportunities through the perspective of the up and coming generation
- Address the need for a skilled workforce within the manufacturing industry
- Show students the interconnectedness between the arts and manufacturing
- Engage local manufacturing companies with education
2025-2026 Pittsburgh Central Participants
| School | Company |
| Allegheny Valley School District (Springdale) | ZOLL |
| Apollo Ridge School District | Metal Solutions |
| Blackhawk School District | Adams Manufacturing |
| Butler Area School District – TEAM 1 | JV Manufacturing |
| Butler Area School District – TEAM 2 | Butler Technologies |
| Canon-McMillan School District | SMS Group |
| Chartiers Houston School District | Giffin Interiors |
| Canon-McMillan School District | Kobold |
| Chartiers Houston School District | Aero Tech Designs |
| Deer Lakes School District | Hellbender |
| Freeport Area School District | EPD Electronics |
| Highlands School District | Oberg Industries |
| Keystone Oaks School District | Mancinis |
| Mohawk Area School District | Hall Industries |
| Moon Area School District | Kobold |
| Mt. Lebanon School District | Haemonetics |
| New Brighton School District | Kenson Plastics |
| Norwin School District | FS Elliott |
| Shaler Area School District – TEAM 1 | MEPPI |
| Shaler Area School District – TEAM 2 | Ace Wire Spring |
| South Allegheny School District | Kurt J Lesker |
| Woodland Hills School District | Premier Automation |
2025-2026 Pittsburgh East Participants
| School | Company |
| Belle Vernon Area School District | DMI Companies |
| Connellsville School District | Intervala |
| Franklin Region School District | EH-Schwab |
| Greater Johnstown School District | J&J Truck Bodies |
| Indiana Area School District | Clark Metal Products |
| River Valley School District | JWF |
| Somerset Area School District | Martin Baker |
Previous Contest Videos
You can view videos from the previous contests by clicking here.
Project Origin
The first manufacturing video contest originated in the Lehigh Valley with our sister organization, MRC in 2013. The program was replicated in Southwestern Pennsylvania in 2015 beginning with 8 companies and schools and has since grown to 40 participants for 2017. The program has expanded to include 12 regional competitions across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. To learn more about the state-wide program go to: https://www.whatssocool.org/contests/about-the-contests/
Resources
Sponsorship Opportunities / Sponsors
Various levels of sponsorships are available. For more information contact Scott Dietz at sdietz@catalystconnection.org or 412-918-4227.
