Schools across the U.S. that hosted NBT manufacturing camps this year strengthened ties with local manufacturers and helped create a pipeline of students who are now encouraged to pursue a career in manufacturing. These intrigued and inspired students may one day enroll in a manufacturing program at the same school where their camp was hosted and receive the skills training needed for future jobs in their local community.

The 2021 NBT summer manufacturing camp season is wrapping up with 125 camps taking place throughout 23 U.S. states. An estimated 2,000 middle and high school-aged students attended camps hosted at a local community college, trade school, or technical high school.

View the gallery of 2021 camp photos to see the students’ excitement and pride when learning hands-on skills and discovering their passion for manufacturing.

Reasons why your local school should consider hosting a summer manufacturing camp:

• You could ignite students’ passion for manufacturing
• Positive camp experiences can lead to increased STEM and skills training program enrollment
• NBT provides grant funding to help get the camp started
• Manufacturing / entrepreneurship curriculum is provided in student and instructor versions
• Customized T-shirts are given to every student who attends a camp
• Students receive a one-year license to SolidWorks CAD software
• Marketing materials and other valuable resources are provided by NBT

Camp Directors Share Positive Impacts on Campers, Schools, and Their Communities

“One of our returning camp participants has already chosen a career in welding. He will be a high school junior and started taking welding classes at our college this summer. Another student told us [after attending the NBT manufacturing camp] that he finally found something he loves and feels like he belongs. He will be registering for classes with us as soon as he is old enough.” — Kelli Fisher, Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, Mansfield, La.

“[As a result of hosting an NBT summer camp], we made some great contacts with business and manufacturing leaders in our community such as Geneva Dummer who came and talked to kids about her experience in the Navy as an Avionics technician, cancer research she worked on, and her business experience. James Jordan, a naval architect, talked to the kids about how to make heavy steel float, welding steel to aluminum and its uses, and what is needed on an ice breaker ship they are currently building.” — Cecil Murphy, St. Martin Middle School, Ocean Springs, Miss.

“The NBT camp was a positive aspect of the Andrew Lewis Middle School Program. We were able to show parents and the community the type of products and designs we can make in the program at [the school]. We were also able to show the community what the program is doing to prepare students for future manufacturing jobs.” — Sarah Gerrol, Andrew Lewis Middle School, Salem, Va.

“Hosting a manufacturing camp at your school is a great way to expose the community to what your organization does as well as what the local manufacturers produce in your region. It also allows the participants to learn about manufacturing careers and the technology used in manufacturing!” — Lucy Torman, College of Central Florida, Ocala, Fla.

Apply Now for 2022 NBT Summer Manufacturing Camp Grants

Now is a great time to start planning to host a summer camp at your school next year. Here’s a checklist to get started:

1. Visit nbtfoundation.org/camps for details on hosting a manufacturing camp and guidelines for grant awards and requirements.
2. Review the application preview and reference the camp host resources for ideas and advice.
3. Propose a plan for your camp and outline the details.
4. Apply for a 2022 summer manufacturing camp grant by Dec. 1, 2021.
5. Once your application is accepted by NBT, start recruiting manufacturing partners, instructors, and volunteers.
6. Work with your school to promote the camp in your community.
7. Take pride in building a skilled workforce in your area.

Schools can apply for multiple camp grants by submitting a separate application for each distinct camp format, audience, and / or location.