For the fourth consecutive year, a middle school in the Lehigh Valley has won the top prize in the statewide What’s So Cool About Manufacturing® video competition. 
The student team at Lower Macungie Middle School won first place for their video about Crayola, which produces crayons, markers, innovative art tools, crafting activities, and creative toys.
Nazareth Area Middle School tied for third place for their video about Freshpet, Inc.
The awards were presented May 14 in Harrisburg, with 23 schools competing, including four from the Lehigh Valley who advanced from the Lehigh Valley regional competition.
What’s So Cool About Manufacturing®, created 12 years ago by the Manufacturers Resource Center, pairs teams of students with manufacturers to produce a video showcasing the innovative technologies that are used and the products that are made in today’s manufacturing. The goal is to introduce students to careers in manufacturing.
Manufacturing is a leading driver of the Lehigh Valley’s economy. About 700 manufacturers collectively produce an annual output of $9 billion, which makes up 16% of the region’s $55.7 billion Gross Domestic Product. Nationally, manufacturing makes up 12% of GDP.
The Lehigh Valley is among the Top 15% of manufacturing markets in the U.S.
The region’s location, within a day’s drive of one-third of U.S. consumers, and its skilled labor force, make it attractive for companies that produce things. Lehigh Valley manufacturers produce food and beverages, medical devices and vaccines, semiconductors and other technology, and consumer goods such as Crayola crayons and Martin Guitars, among other items.
What’s So Cool About Manufacturing® debuted in the Lehigh Valley in 2013 and has spread statewide and been adopted in 11 other states. More than 60% of Pennsylvania’s school districts have participated in the program since its inception.
“The continued success of the What’s So Cool program validates its effort to generate excitement toward careers in the manufacturing sector and to promote STEM education and technical training among students and parents.” said Karen Buck, Director of Workforce Initiatives at Manufacturers Resource Center. “We are so excited and proud to celebrate the Best of PA 2025 student teams and highlight their videos!”
In 2024, students at Broughal Middle School in Bethlehem won first place, for their video about Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing.
In 2023, students at Northeast Middle School in Bethlehem won first place, for their video about Stanley Black & Decker.
In 2022, students at Eyer Middle School in Macungie won first place, for their video about BlueTriton Brands.
Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC) is a sponsor of What’s So Cool About Manufacturing®. Manufacturers Resource Center is a regional partner of LVEDC, and the video program aligns with LVEDC’s talent strategies by engaging students in career pathways exploration and influencing perceptions that students, teachers, and parents have about jobs in manufacturing.
(Image taken from Lower Macungie student video)