NEW CASTLE, Pa. – Pennsylvania’s West Central regional What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? student video contest will expand into Lawrence County in 2026.
What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? is a statewide initiative to raise awareness about manufacturing careers and highlight the innovative work being done by local companies. The contest pairs middle school teams with employers and equips students with cameras, training and mentoring to produce short features. Videos go online for judging and a Viewers Choice vote.
Schools in Wilmington and New Castle in Lawrence County have already committed to participate next year. In Mercer County, schools in Grove City, Farrell, Reynolds, Hermitage, West Middlesex and Lakeview have also committed to participate.
“Bringing Lawrence County schools into the program expands the impact for both students and manufacturers,” said Julie Michael Smith, coalition manager of the Lawrence Mercer Manufacturers Coalition. “It’s another step toward showing young people the opportunities that exist right here in our region.”
In 2025, LMMC members Hall Manufacturing Technologies, Berner International, Wheatland Steel Processing, T. Bruce Sales and G.W. Becker partnered with area schools to showcase modern manufacturing careers.
Manufacturers or schools interested in participating in 2026 can contact Smith at julie@lawrencemercermfg.com.