It’s not too early to start planning for Manufacturing Day! NWIRC has announced a Manufacturing Day Outreach (MDO) Mini-Grant Program to encourage vocational, technical and trade high school student participation in Manufacturing Day activities on Friday, October 2, 2015. The mini-grants will support visits to participating local manufacturers for showcasing next generation manufacturing technologies and opportunities, and meeting with company representatives. Public vocational, technical, and trade-oriented high schools are offered funding of up to $1000 to offset expenses for the day. Schools from Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Venango, and Warren counties are eligible to participate. If your company is interested in opening its doors to students in celebration of Manufacturing Day this October, please contact your regional school to let them know you would like to participate. NWIRC is also happy to assist you in making a connection, so please contact one of our Business Advisors if we can help. We encourage all manufacturers who will be offering student tours on this day to register their event at www.mfgday.com. Schools will be instructed to access this website to see which companies in their county are opening their doors to students. The mfgday.com website has many helpful tips and tools for hosting your event.