Public Voting Begins for “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?” Northeast Campaign

Public voting for northeastern Pennsylvania’s inaugural “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?” (WSCM) Student Video Contest will open Monday, March 19, 12:01 am and run until Wednesday, March 21, 11:59 pm at the new www.whatssocool.org website. Everyone throughout the northeastern Pennsylvania community is welcome and encouraged to vote!

The video with the most votes will receive the “Viewers’ Choice Award.” The videos will also be reviewed by a panel of judges for awards in five other categories, including Outstanding Creativity and Outstanding Coolness.

Presented by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC), the WSCM Student Video Contest, gives 8th grade students in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties the opportunity to connect directly with local manufacturers, discover what is “cool” about today’s manufacturing industry and record their experiences with GoPro cameras while creating an educational documentary video. The contest was created to generate excitement that draws students towards considering manufacturing career paths.

“The students put in a lot of work making their videos, and had a lot of fun too,” said Eric Joseph Esoda, President/CEO of NEPIRC. “The program promotes STEM education and helps the students see the opportunities in manufacturing careers up close, and with a new perspective. The videos help them share this experience with their friends, family, and the community. You can show your support for the students and schools by going to the website, watching the videos and voting.”

Partnering with NEPIRC for the project are Manufacturers Resource Center, PBS 39, Sahl Communications, Inc., the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, Lackawanna College, PPL Electric Utilities, the National Institute of Standards & Technology and NEPIRC’s Board of Directors.