Jellico Elementary School snagged the top spot in the "Dream it. Do it." student manufacturing competition this year, taking home a $1,000 STEM classroom grant for their impressive efforts. The annual event, a brainchild of the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS), pairs eighth graders with local industries to produce informative videos, a program designed to kindle interest in manufacturing careers among the young, according to the Y-12 National Security Complex.
Previously exclusive to Anderson County middle schools, the educational initiative saw its reach expand to include Campbell, Scott, and Union counties. It drew participation from 10 schools and collaboration with eight industry partners, a testament to the program's growing impact in the area. Kristin Waldschlager, educational outreach specialist for Y-12, expressed excitement about the program's expansion, as per Y-12 National Security Complex, "This program is one of many ways we are investing in the future workforce." And adding that such support is critical for "students and educators about manufacturing opportunities in the local area helps Y‑12 and other industries meet future employment needs," which aligns with Anderson County Chamber of Commerce President Rick Meredith's sentiments on boosting local manufacturing opportunities and awareness.
Each participating school's submission was meticulously evaluated against a rubric to allocate STEM grants, and Jellico Elementary, having partnered with Clayton Homes of Appalachia, emerged victorious with their imaginative approach to the manufacturing process. Alongside Jellico Elementary, Clinton Middle School, and Jefferson Middle School scored $750 and $500 grants for their respective second and third places with industry partners Techmer PM and Eagle Bend Manufacturing, MAGNA, as detailed by Y-12 National Security Complex.
