When students think about future careers, manufacturing may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but that’s exactly what Explore the New Manufacturing is working to change. This nonprofit organization has become a fantastic partner to the Greenbrier Valley EDC as they help students across West Virginia discover the exciting, high-tech manufacturing careers available right here at home.
By connecting classrooms with real-world experiences, they’re inspiring the next generation of innovators, builders, and problem-solvers.
Why Manufacturing Matters
Manufacturing plays a major role in the WV economy. For every $1 spent in the manufacturing industry, there is a total impact of $2.69 to the broader economy. Workers typically earn higher wages in manufacturing than other industries and have the highest percentage of workers who are eligible for employer paid health insurance (Explore more manufacturing facts here).
For students, there is a wide range of opportunities in the industry – from advanced technology and robotics to welding, engineering, and design. Manufacturing offers rewarding career paths for students of all interests and skill levels. And manufacturing happens right here in the Greenbrier Valley.
What Explore the New Manufacturing Does
By introducing students to these opportunities early, Explore the New Manufacturing pairs local schools with local companies, helping them to build valuable career and technical skills, explore local opportunities, gain confidence through hands-on learning and ultimately strengthen their communities by staying and working in West Virginia.
Explore the New Manufacturing creates engaging, real-world experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Their programs include:
- Factory and facility tours
- Hands-on workshops and labs
- Career exploration events
- Team competitions and contests
- Virtual field trips and learning opportunities
These experiences give students a firsthand look at what modern manufacturing really looks like—and how they can be part of it.
How Manufacturers Can Get Involved
Manufacturers play a key role in these programs by serving as:
- Event hosts
- Industry mentors
- Contest judges
- Awards ceremony participants
- Project partners
Whether hosting a quick workshop or partnering on a major challenge, local manufacturers help shape the future workforce of West Virginia. Explore how you can get involved in the school system below.
Middle School Opportunities
Explore the New Manufacturing offers several programs designed to introduce younger students to manufacturing in fun and interactive ways. Interested in any of these programs? Contact Explore’s High School Coordinator Chrissy Haney at chrissy@exploremfgwv.com.
Explore Academies: These full-day events take 7th and 8th grade students out of the classroom to explore careers and future opportunities. Local students and local manufacturers convene in one place for hands-on labs and team-based problem solving activities.
The Greenbrier Valley EDC sponsored an Explore Academy in October, bringing together 100 students from Western Greenbrier, Eastern Greenbrier, and Mountain View Middle. Our staff, representatives from Collins Aerospace, and Jarhead Farms had a great day of sharing fun information and introducing students to hands on STEM and team building activities.
Explore Workshops: These in-school, hands-on events bring manufacturing directly to middle school students. Activities include interactive lessons led by local manufacturers focused on teamwork, communication, and hands-on skills
Student Video Contest: Middle school teams create videos highlighting local manufacturers and showing what makes manufacturing exciting. Students tour a facility with company leaders and then plan, film, and produce a short video for a regional competition.
Graphic Design Contest: Students design digital posters for local manufacturers. Participants meet virtually with a manufacturer and design a poster showcasing a local product.
Manufacturing Day Virtual Lab Series: These virtual field trips hosted by manufacturers give students a behind-the-scenes look at West Virginia manufacturing.
High School Opportunities
For older students, Explore the New Manufacturing offers more advanced programs focused on innovation, workforce development, and problem-solving. Interested in any of these programs? Contact Explore’s High School Coordinator Jessica Trent at jessica@exploremfgwv.com.
Manufacturing Innovation Challenge: High school teams solve real-world challenges for local manufacturers. Students tour a local facility, and help develop real world solutions for an identified problem.
Workforce Development Program: This program helps students prepare for the workforce through career-readiness training. Activities include information sessions, mock interviews, and more.
You can join this program now! Greenbrier Valley EDC is partnering with Explore Manufacturing, Education Alliance, New River CTC, and Greenbrier West High School to provide students the opportunity to participate in mock interviews, learn about finances, explore career opportunities, and connect with local businesses through a Career Fair.
The event will take place on May 8th at Greenbrier West High School. Interested in learning more or getting involved? Contact Jessica at jessica@exploremfgwv.com or Krislyn at kholden@gvedc.com.
SCRAP Program: SCRAP turns donated manufacturing materials into creative student projects. Students can use real scrap materials to create furniture, tools, artwork, or other innovative projects. Projects may be publicly showcased and can even be used for fundraising opportunities.
Building the Future, One Student at a Time
Explore the New Manufacturing is doing more than teaching students about careers—they’re opening doors, building confidence, and strengthening communities across West Virginia.
By connecting education with industry, they’re helping students discover that exciting opportunities may be closer to home than they ever imagined.
To learn more about Explore the New Manufacturing or to get involved, visit their website and see how you can help inspire the next generation.
To learn more about different ways your business can collaborate through school business partnerships, read our blog: Our Future Workforce: Business Partnerships in Education.
