The Manufacturers Resource Center (MRC) has officially launched the 10th year of its “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing®” (WSCM) video contest in Berks and Schuylkill counties, a program designed to inspire interest in manufacturing careers through hands-on learning.
The contest invites 7th and 8th grade students to partner with local manufacturers and produce short videos highlighting what makes modern manufacturing “cool.” Teams take on the role of storytellers, using video production skills to capture workplace environments, technologies, and career opportunities. The initiative, spearheaded by MRC, aims to raise awareness of career and technical education (CTE) and STEM pathways.
“MRC is proud to bring What’s So Cool About Manufacturing to the Berks and Schuylkill area for its 10th year,” said Rich Hobbs, MRC President and CEO. “The program’s continued success and impact can be attributed to the efforts the teachers and students have put forth, along with the many partners and community sponsors committed to building a future workforce.”
Schuylkill County Teams and Manufacturers
This year, 33 student teams from Berks and Schuylkill counties are paired with 33 manufacturers.
The contest invites 7th and 8th grade students to partner with local manufacturers and produce short videos highlighting what makes modern manufacturing “cool.” Teams take on the role of storytellers, using video production skills to capture workplace environments, technologies, and career opportunities. The initiative, spearheaded by MRC, aims to raise awareness of career and technical education (CTE) and STEM pathways.
“MRC is proud to bring What’s So Cool About Manufacturing to the Berks and Schuylkill area for its 10th year,” said Rich Hobbs, MRC President and CEO. “The program’s continued success and impact can be attributed to the efforts the teachers and students have put forth, along with the many partners and community sponsors committed to building a future workforce.”
Schuylkill County Teams and Manufacturers
This year, 33 student teams from Berks and Schuylkill counties are paired with 33 manufacturers.
Schuylkill County participants include:
Contest Timeline and Awards
All student-produced videos will be uploaded to WhatsSoCool.org, where the public will have the chance to vote for the Viewers Choice Award beginning March 25, 2026. The Berks–Schuylkill regional awards event will be held April 14, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Reading. Regional winners will advance to the statewide awards in Harrisburg later in the spring.
The Berks–Schuylkill program is supported by the Berks Business Education Coalition (BBEC), Kutztown Small Business Development Center, eMediaWorks, and Sahl Communications, Inc.
About the Program
The “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing®” initiative was developed by MRC and has grown into a statewide and national model. Since its inception, the program has produced over 1,400 student-created videos showcasing more than 700 Pennsylvania manufacturers. The online video library serves as an educational resource for students, educators, and communities, funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
For more information and to view past projects, visit WhatsSoCool.org.
- Blue Mountain Middle School – Hydro
- D.H.H. Lengel Middle School (Pottsville Area) – Mrs. T’s Pierogies
- Mahanoy Area Jr/Sr High School – Ashland Technologies, Inc.
- Minersville Jr/Sr High School – Masser Family of Companies
- North Schuylkill Jr/Sr High School – EMD Electronics
- Pine Grove Area Middle School – Blaschak Anthracite
- Schuylkill Haven Area High School – Solar Innovations, LLC
- Shenandoah Valley Jr/Sr High School – Hexcel Corporation
- Tamaqua Area Middle School – Northeast Prestressed Products, LLC
- Tri-Valley Jr/Sr High School – MI Windows and Doors
- Williams Valley Jr/Sr High School – Big B Manufacturing Inc.
Contest Timeline and Awards
All student-produced videos will be uploaded to WhatsSoCool.org, where the public will have the chance to vote for the Viewers Choice Award beginning March 25, 2026. The Berks–Schuylkill regional awards event will be held April 14, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Reading. Regional winners will advance to the statewide awards in Harrisburg later in the spring.
The Berks–Schuylkill program is supported by the Berks Business Education Coalition (BBEC), Kutztown Small Business Development Center, eMediaWorks, and Sahl Communications, Inc.
About the Program
The “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing®” initiative was developed by MRC and has grown into a statewide and national model. Since its inception, the program has produced over 1,400 student-created videos showcasing more than 700 Pennsylvania manufacturers. The online video library serves as an educational resource for students, educators, and communities, funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
For more information and to view past projects, visit WhatsSoCool.org.