Tompkins Cortland Community College played host to nearly 200 high school students for the annual Manufacturing and Development Expo (MADE) on October 22. The event, part of the national Manufacturing Day programming, brought students from nine different regional school districts to the TC3 campus to engage in hands-on activities and displays presented by a dozen local organizations and manufacturers. The primary goals of MADE are to introduce students to the many varied careers that exist within the manufacturing industry, provide information about lucrative and in-demand jobs that can be available after high school as well as with a college degree, and help create a talent pipeline within our region.

Manufacturing Day is the biggest annual opportunity to inspire the next generation to start careers in modern manufacturing through a series of focused events for students, parents, and educators. Manufacturing Day is an initiative of The Manufacturing Institute, with the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association as a founding partner. The Institute supports diverse initiatives for women, veterans, students, and workers through skills training programs, community building, and supporting the advancement of their careers in manufacturing.

MADE was sponsored by Cargill Deicing Solutions, C&D Assembly, Inc., Ithaca Area Economic Development, Micron, and Seven Valley Specialty Cables. Presented in partnership with Alliance for Manufacturing and Technology, Cayuga-Cortland Workforce Development Board, Cortland Works Career Center, Ithaca Area Economic Development, New York State Department of Labor, Tompkins Cortland Community College, Tompkins County Workforce Development, Tompkins Workforce NY, TST P-TECH Academy, and TST BOCES.