On October 4, more than 100 middle school students from Bolton, Bristol, Coventry, East Hartford, New Britain, Plainville, and Southington experienced the dynamic world of manufacturing through creative, hands-on activities at the 8th annual Connecticut. Dream It. Do It. Manufacturing Mania at Goodwin College’s Business & Manufacturing Center in East Hartford.

Led by Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology Inc. (CCAT) and hosted by Goodwin College, Manufacturing Mania kicked off Connecticut. Dream It. Do It. Manufacturing Month. Throughout October, CCAT and Goodwin, joined by manufacturers, colleges, civic organizations, middle schools, and high schools across the state, host events to connect young people to careers in manufacturing, with state manufacturers in the spotlight.

At Manufacturing Mania, CCAT and Goodwin College introduced students to future career fields, where the possibilities are limitless. Students rotated through four sessions that included an Ice Cream Stick Factory competition, a K’Nex Kompetition, a tour of Goodwin’s Advanced Manufacturing Mobile Lab, and talking with manufacturers and educators from throughout the region.

“Connecticut. Dream It. Do It. has impacted so many young minds through Manufacturing Month and the many initiatives we run in partnership with manufacturers, schools, and organizations throughout the state. Engaging students at their level, in a way they can understand, is critical to learning STEM and workplace skills and discovering that manufacturing career opportunities exist and are within their reach,” said Alyce Stiles, Associate Director, Experiential STEM Education, CCAT.

“The upcoming generation of skilled workers understands that manufacturing has really advanced since the days of dark and dangerous work environments,” added Dr. Cliff Thermer, Goodwin’s Assistant Vice President for Strategy and Business Development and Dean of Business, Management, and Advanced Manufacturing. “Our job as educators is to light the spark of their imaginations, then set them loose to create.”

According to Charles Daniels, Chief Financial Officer, Wepco Plastics and AMEP Chair of Central Connecticut, “Connecticut Dream It Do It plays a critical role in bringing awareness of the manufacturing industry to students during a pivotal time in their life. Events like Manufacturing Mania provide hands- on experience that give them an opportunity to practice problem solving, strategic thinking, teamwork and other skills that are necessary in so many aspects of life and career.”

To learn more about Goodwin’s manufacturing programs, visit www.goodwin.edu/manufacturing.

Goodwin College is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin College was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.

Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology Inc. (CCAT) is a nonprofit organization, headquartered in East Hartford, Conn., that creates and executes bold ideas advancing applied technologies, IT strategies, energy solutions, STEM education, and career development. By leading state, regional, and national partnerships, CCAT helps manufacturers, academia, government and nonprofit organizations excel. Learn more at ccat.us.