STEM academy enters video competition

EXTON » Just days after industries across Pennsylvania entered the yellow phase of reopening, a pair of schools represented Chester County and Delaware County in a statewide student video competition designed to boost the future of local manufacturing.

Downingtown STEM Academy and Garnet Valley Middle School were the nominees from the Chester/Delaware region that competed on Tuesday June 9, 2020 during a “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing – Best of PA” awards event. Normally held in Harrisburg, it was streamed for the first time on YouTube with funding in part from the Chester County Economic Development Council.

“Today’s jobs in manufacturing are technologically challenging, and the result is a gratifying career path for skilled workers,” says Gary Smith, President and CEO of the Chester County Economic Development Council. “CCEDC is focused on partnering with our region’s manufacturing industry to help to develop the next generation of workforce talent.”

Twenty-two teams from across the state competed in this week’s contest for first, second and third place awards, after winning regional competitions for their two-minute videos with manufacturers on the rewarding career opportunities available in an increasingly technology-driven industry.

Downingtown STEM Academy competed with a student video featuring ONExia, a manufacturer based in Exton that specializes in robotics and automated machine integration. Garnet Valley Middle School

competed with a student video featuring Southco, a manufacturer of access hardware products in Concordville, Delaware County.

With students from across the state attending virtually, the 2020 first place award ultimately went to Saint Clair Middle School; Reading

Southern Middle School placed second; and Oil City Area Middle School placed third. Schools in Chester County and Delaware County continue to feel rewarded for their hard work.

“Opening the doors to our local manufacturers is a powerful way to engage and educate on the exciting career opportunities available here in Chester and Delaware Counties,” says Eric Stone of Genesis Packaging Technologies and program chair of CCEDC’s Manufacturing Alliance of Chester and Delaware Counties. “These young minds will be the catalyst for driving future innovation within our companies. Our manufacturing leaders, along with parents and educators, are committed to exposing students to the potential within a skilled technical workforce.”

Manufacturing is critical to Pennsylvania’s economy, accounting for nearly 12% of the state’s total output each year or roughly $93 billion. However, a 2018 skills gap study from the National Association of Manufacturers predicts as many as 2.4 million wellpaid manufacturing jobs in the United States will be unfilled by 2028.

In addition to Downingtown STEM Academy winning an Outstanding Creativity award during the regional contest in March, and Garnet Valley Middle School winning Outstanding Overall Video, the following local schools won regional awards:

• Outstanding Team Spirit - Collegium Charter School - Teams 1 & 2

• Outstanding Videography - Owen J Roberts Middle School

• Outstanding Manufacturing Message - Springton Lake Middle School

• Outstanding Editing Delaware County Christian School

• Outstanding Poster Placement - Penn’s Grove School

• Viewer’s Choice Award - E.T. Richardson Middle School

“What’s So Cool About Manufacturing” is brought to you by The Manufacturing Alliance of Chester & Delaware Counties, which is an initiative of the Chester County Economic Development Council and Delaware County Community College and is funded in part by the private sector with grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry through the Chester County Workforce Development Board (WDB).

The Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) is a private, non-profit economic development organization promoting smart growth in Chester County and the surrounding region for 60 years.

The CCEDC provides proven financing solutions, cultivates workforce talent, leverages business partnerships, and fosters entrepreneurial collaboration. With the support of the private and public sectors, CCEDC initiates, implements and innovates programs that improve the business community and enhance the quality of life in Chester County. For more information, visit https://ccedcpa. com/

The Manufacturing Alliance of Chester and Delaware Counties (MACC/DC) is an initiative of the Chester County Economic Development Council in partnership with the Delaware County Community College, driven by manufacturers and supported by public partners and service providers.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Downingtown STEM Academy was one of the nominees from the Chester/Delaware region that competed Tuesday during a statewide “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing – Best of PA” awards event. Normally held in Harrisburg, it was streamed for the first time on YouTube with funding in part from the Chester County Economic Development Council.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Garnet Valley Middle School was one of the nominees from the Chester/Delaware region that competed on Tuesday during a statewide “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing – Best of PA” awards event. Normally held in Harrisburg, it was streamed for the first time on YouTube with funding in part from the Chester County Economic Development Council.