South Dakota Manufacturing & Technology Solutions (SDMTS) has successfully relaunched its What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? (WSCM) program, providing middle school students with a hands-on opportunity to explore careers in manufacturing while developing valuable real-world skills.

As part of the pilot relaunch, eighth-grade students from Florence School partnered with Watertown-based manufacturer Glacial Lakes Rubber & Plastics (GLRP) to create a short video showcasing the company’s operations, employees, and career opportunities. The experience gave students a behind-the-scenes look at modern manufacturing while introducing them to the wide range of careers available within the industry.

Throughout the project, students visited GLRP’s facility to capture footage, interview employees, and learn about manufacturing processes firsthand. Using professional camera equipment provided by SDMTS and receiving guidance from teacher-coaches and industry professionals, students transformed more than an hour of footage into a polished video highlighting the company and its workforce.

Beyond learning about manufacturing, the project helped students strengthen critical workplace skills including teamwork, communication, project planning, creativity, and problem-solving. These experiences provide practical applications that connect classroom learning with real-world careers.

“One of the most valuable aspects of the What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? program is the application-based learning experience it provides for students,” said Angela Allen, Program Manager at SDMTS. “Through real projects and interaction with manufacturers, students strengthen skills like teamwork, communication, planning, and problem solving while gaining exposure to real-world careers in manufacturing and project environments.”

Florence School teacher Britney Russell praised the program’s impact on her students.

“This program was a great way for my students to explore manufacturing, marketing, and video editing through real-world application that will give them tools and skills they can use beyond middle school and high school,” Russell said.

Students also recognized the value of the experience. Eighth grader Wyatt Dahl shared that the project helped him learn video editing skills while gaining a better understanding of how local businesses contribute to the broader economy.

The successful relaunch demonstrates SDMTS’s ongoing commitment to workforce development and career awareness throughout South Dakota. By connecting students directly with manufacturers, the program helps build awareness of rewarding careers available close to home while supporting the future talent pipeline for the state’s manufacturing industry.

SDMTS is currently recruiting schools and student teams for future What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? cohorts. The program is open to middle school students across South Dakota and provides educators with a unique opportunity to bring career exploration, technology, and project-based learning into the classroom.