The Explore the New Manufacturing made a surprise award presentation to Kimberly Ghaphery at the organization’s Northern Region Award Ceremony. Ghaphery was presented with a 2024 Outstanding Industry Educator award in the middle school category. The award celebrates skilled and dedicated educators working to increase the understanding of manufacturing careers available in West Virginia. Ghaphery, a gifted instructor, teaches at the Moundsville Middle School. She will receive a $500 award designated for classroom enhancement, in addition to a commemorative wooden plaque and gift basket featuring products made in West Virginia.

 Explore the New Manufacturing announced today the receipt of a $25,000 gift from the Bowles Rice Foundation which will support statewide initiatives designed to help middle and high schools discover the wonders of West Virginia’s manufacturing industry and career opportunities that are available. Thanks to Bowles Rice’s financial commitment, the Explore Program will expand student participation and extend program engagement to parents and the community at large within the organization's six regional hubs.

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.”