Discovery Education, Arconic Foundation Launch “Manufacture Your Future” Teacher Challenge

Discovery Education, Arconic Foundation Launch ‘Manufacture Your Future’ Teacher Challenge

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The accelerated advancement of technologies like 3D printing, robotics and artificial intelligence welcomes a new realm of career possibilities in manufacturing for K-12 students. Silver Spring, Maryland-based Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital content and professional development for K-12 classrooms, and Arconic Foundation, the independently endowed philanthropic arm of Arconic, has announced the first “Manufacture Your Future” Teacher Challenge. The program calls upon educators to inspire students in grades 3-12 to take the first step toward exploring and pursuing modern manufacturing careers.

Teachers working alone or in teams will create a video pitch and a written proposal for an in-school experience that will bring manufacturing careers to life for their students and support them in exploring different career pathways in advanced manufacturing. The winner will receive a $5,000 grant to put the proposal into action at their school.

“Innovation is fundamental to manufacturing and this challenge aims to open students’ eyes to the endless possibilities available to them in advanced manufacturing,” said Suzanne van de Raadt, Arconic Foundation’s vice president of global communications and program development. “Teachers foster design thinking and creativity in the classroom that lends itself to innovation. We’re proud to partner with a like-minded organization like Discovery Education to inspire the next wave of future manufacturing leaders.”

Written proposals must include all of the following:

  • A description of the proposed in-school experiences
  • A description of how a $5,000 grant would be used to implement the experience
  • Information about the individuals who will plan and host the event
  • A description of the intended student audience for the event
  • A list of critical resources, including at least one Manufacture Your Future resource
  • An explanation of how the students will benefit from the experience, including how it will inspire them to explore different career pathways in advanced manufacturing

“Learning experiences that encourage students to imagine unique solutions for their world outside the classroom are those that last a lifetime,” said Kristin Hirst, Discovery Education’s vice president of corporate education partnerships. “The ‘Manufacture Your Future’ program embodies our mission to transform learning by partnering with a leading organization like Arconic.”

The challenge opened June 18 and closes Oct. 19. To learn more, visit manufactureyourfuture.com.