Oak Ridge, Tenn.— Middle school students will soon be visiting the floors of local manufacturing facilities as they learn about operations and career opportunities in the area. Now in its 10th year, the “Dream it. Do it.” program pairs industry partners with middle school teams to educate students about careers in manufacturing.

The Anderson County Chamber of Commerce and Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS) kicked off the annual “Dream it. Do it.” competition on Oct. 21, 2024, at Junior Achievement of East Tennessee. CNS, the managing and operating contractor for the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge and the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas, has sponsored and helped facilitate the competition for 10 years.

CNS sponsors “Dream it. Do it.” as one of many efforts to help develop the future workforce in the region and make students aware of opportunities close to home, including the potential to work at Y-12 and contribute to the site’s mission, which helps ensure the security of our nation and its allies.

Program expands

Originally started in Anderson County and Oak Ridge City Schools, Dream it. Do it. has now expanded into three more counties—Campbell, Scott, and Union.

“The growth of this program is exciting,” said Anderson County Chamber President Rick Meredith. “We couldn’t support this growth without the support of local industries, and we’re especially appreciative of Aisin Automotive Casting Tennessee and SL Tennessee for working with two student teams this year.”

Ready, set, manufacture

At the kickoff, the following industry–school pairs were announced:

• Aisin Automotive Casting Tennessee with Jacksboro and Norwood Middle Schools
• Eagle Bend Manufacturing, MAGNA with Jefferson Middle School
• Clayton Homes of Appalachia with Jellico Middle School
• Clayton Homes of Maynardville with Horace Maynard Middle School
• GEON Performance Solutions with Lake City Middle School
• Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge with Robertsville Middle School
• SL Tennessee with LaFollette and Norris Middle Schools
• Techmer PM with Clinton Middle School

Kristin Waldschlager, CNS educational outreach specialist, challenged the students to visit their manufacturing facilities twice before the end of the year to get their projects rolling. “The winning teams will win money to support activities in your school’s classrooms,” she said. “Your participation is a good way to support your school and your teachers.”

The student teams will learn about their industry partner and produce a short video in hopes of winning money to fund science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities at their schools. In April, the public will be able to vote for their favorite video to determine the Peoples’ Choice Awards.