During the recent Workforce Summit, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) unveiled new Making Ohio tools designed to strengthen early manufacturing career awareness. These hands-on, team-based activities, tailored for elementary through high school students, give manufacturers and educators practical resources to use once interest in manufacturing has been sparked.

The tools introduce key concepts found on today’s shop floors. In the “Marshmallow Tower” activity, students explore teamwork, problem-solving, and design principles as they learn how materials can become stronger through thoughtful engineering. The “Blueprints and Measurements” exercise reinforces the importance of accuracy and communication when interpreting instructions, a critical skill for manufacturing environments.

These resources help students understand real-world challenges and show how creativity, precision, and collaboration play a role in modern manufacturing careers. All Making Ohio tools can be accessed online. 11/19/2025