The event, hosted at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Reading, drew approximately 1,000 attendees and marked a milestone year for the program, which featured participation from 33 middle schools across the Berks and Schuylkill region.
Over a three-day public voting period, student-produced videos generated a total of 176,828 votes. Each team created a two-minute video highlighting a regional manufacturer, with the top vote-getter earning the “Viewers Choice Award.” Additional honors were determined by a panel of judges across multiple categories.
Karen Buck, Director of Workforce Initiatives at MRC, highlighted the program’s continued growth and community impact.
“Ten years ago, we expanded the What’s So Cool contest to the Berks Schuylkill region,” Buck said. “We are thrilled to celebrate another strong season marked by enthusiastic participation and incredible community support. This year, 33 teams helped shine a spotlight on the many exciting career opportunities right here in our region.”
2026 Award Winners
- Outstanding Videography: Conrad Weiser Middle School – Penske Racing Shocks
- Outstanding Editing: Boyertown Middle School West – American Crane & Equipment Corporation
- Outstanding Creativity: Schuylkill Valley Middle School – Glen-Gery
- Outstanding Brand Placement: Reading Northeast Middle School – Sweet Street Desserts
- Outstanding Career Pathway: Reading Southwest Middle School – The Rose Corporation
- Outstanding Educational Value: North Schuylkill Jr./Sr. High School – EMD Electronics
- Best Career & Technical Education Story: Fleetwood Area Middle School – Omnitech Automation, Inc.
- Outstanding Outreach Plan: Wilson Southern Middle School – Eagle Metals, Inc.
- Outstanding Cool: Pine Grove Area Middle School – Blaschak Anthracite
- Outstanding Team Spirit: Twin Valley Middle School – R.M. Palmer Company, LLC
- Viewers Choice Award: Blue Mountain Middle School – Hydro
- Outstanding Overall Program: D.H.H. Lengel Middle School – Mrs. T's Pierogies
Organizers credited the program’s success to the dedication of students, educators, and community partners who have supported the initiative over the past decade. MRC continues to collaborate with organizations including the Berks Business Education Coalition, eMediaWorks, Kutztown Small Business Development Center, and Sahl Communications, along with numerous sponsors, to sustain and grow the program.
The contest aims to connect students with local manufacturing careers while showcasing the industry’s impact across the region.