Explore the New Manufacturing announced today the receipt of a $3,500 grant from BHE GT&S to assist with efforts to expand student participation and to extend program engagement to parents and the community at large within the company’s West Virginia geographic scope. BHE GT&S’ support will help to immerse middle and high school students in a variety of activities designed to build awareness about the diversity of available manufacturing career options.
“We’re really excited to support this effort that promotes a strong and prepared workforce for West Virginia’s vibrant future,” commented Jason Harshbarger, state policy director for BHE GT&S. “With nearly 500 employees based in the state, BHE GT&S understands how important it is to prepare the next generation and create excitement about the opportunities found in the Mountain State. We commend Explore the New Manufacturing for their work and we’re honored to provide them this grant to expand their reach.”
The BHE GT&S grant will enhance the Manufacturing Innovation Challenge’s new Regional Manufacturing Recruitment events. Designed as a reverse job fair, these events will help the high school participants improve their interview and public speaking skills. As part of each event, manufacturers will have the opportunity to hear the Manufacturing Innovation Challenge teams present a synopsis of their challenge solution in a team-to-team face-off. Five regional events will be held later this spring.
“The Explore Program is grateful for BHE GT&S’ donation,” said Executive Director Monica Cross, who oversees the Explore the New Manufacturing Program’s efforts to create student awareness and excitement about careers in manufacturing and the training opportunities for these positions in their local areas. “We are very excited that BHE GT&S is willing to help us enhance the Manufacturing Innovation Challenge by expanding the experience for our high school participants as they prepare for their future careers.”
