Union Pacific Railroad and The Manufacturing Institute Launch Digital STEM Awareness Program for Middle School Students

WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/25/21 – Union Pacific Railroad and The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers—today announced the introduction of Future Creators, a first-of-its-kind digital education program giving middle school students an opportunity to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Future Creators is made available at no cost to students and educators in seven markets across the country through sponsorship from Union Pacific via the MI’s relationship with the nation’s leading social impact education innovator, EVERFI, Inc. The program is part of Union Pacific and the MI’s “Careers on Track” initiative, specifically designed to shrink the workforce gender gap by inspiring more women and young people to pursue modern industry careers.

Future Creators aims to create pathways into transportation, distribution and logistics career paths. Through interactive gameplay and real-world scenarios, Future Creators provides students initial exposure of careers powering STEM industries, big data and the Internet of Things, the future of manufacturing and design and now the world of transportation and logistics.

“Youth see doctors, teachers and, sometimes, lawyers at work, but this program opens their lens into the world of transportation with an interactive program, exposing them to career opportunities they may have never considered,” said Union Pacific Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Foundation President Scott Moore. “Union Pacific is proud to partner with the MI and EVERFI to showcase the vast career fields available, helping young adults and women picture themselves in fulfilling careers.”

The program explores the ways students can leverage their skills in STEM careers and piques learners’ curiosity by highlighting how STEM concepts and careers connect to topics that interest them, contextualizing and supporting classroom learning with real-world examples.

“Future Creators is exactly what educators and the industry need to do to harness and shape career aspirations and the bright future of our workforce,” said MI Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “There are nearly 900,000 manufacturing job openings in the U.S.—a record-high number—and millions more expected by the end of the decade. And because of the skills gap, manufacturers are finding that there aren’t nearly enough qualified applicants for jobs requiring STEM education and skills. Future Creators addresses these challenges of the gender gap and the skills gap head-on, empowering young women with a head start on rewarding STEM career paths.”

Manufacturers interested in learning more about this and other youth engagement initiatives can visit themanufacturinginstitute.org/students.

Background:

Partnership allows Future Creators to be available in the following communities:

  • Houston, TX
  • Herington, KS
  • Laredo and Del Rio/Eagle Pass, TX
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Omaha, NE
  • Shreveport, LA
  • St. Paul, MN

-Union Pacific-

Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at www.up.com/.

-The MI-

The Manufacturing Institute grows and supports the manufacturing industry’s skilled workers for the advancement of modern manufacturing. The MI’s diverse initiatives support all workers in America, including women, veterans and students, through skills training programs, community building and the advancement of their career in manufacturing. As the 501(c)3 nonprofit workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, the MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with resources necessary to solve the industry’s toughest challenges. For more information on the MI, please visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.

733 10th St. NW, Suite 700 • Washington, DC 20001 • (202) 637-3000

Commentary: Want to Build Stuff? SC Manufacturers Might be Your Future.

Op-ed in the The Post and Courier

Bob Morgan, president and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the state affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers, writes in The Post and Courier: “South Carolina is home to some of the most innovative manufacturing companies in the world. But those companies — and our state’s entire economy — are only as strong as our people. And right now, South Carolina manufacturers need people. From small businesses to major brands, we’re hearing the same refrain: ‘Creators wanted.'”

Here are some additional excerpts:

  • “[T]he Creators Wanted Tour Live is in South Carolina next week. Students, parents, teachers and community leaders will have a chance to see for themselves what a modern manufacturing career is really about — through an immersive ‘escape room’ experience, which includes a chance to test-drive augmented reality, made possible by PTC. They will also meet with local manufacturing team members from companies such as Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Trane Technologies and Honda to hear firsthand about their amazing work and incredible opportunities. It’s a chance to get plugged into the industry and find a pathway to a meaningful career.”
  • “Today, about 260,000 South Carolinians work in manufacturing, and on average, they earn more than $76,500 a year in wages and benefits.”

To read the full commentary, click here.

Reviews: Creators Wanted Columbus

During its four days in Columbus, more than 350 students got to participate in Creators Wanted Tour Live, from Canal Winchester High School, Horizons Science Academy, Mechanicsburg School (Entertainment Tech), Sunrise Academy, Marysville Early College High School, Southwestern Career Academy and Millennium Community School. Teachers and parents from the community also joined in the excitement. Here’s what some of these participants thought:

 

‘Creators Wanted’ in Columbus now. Manufacturers job with above-average pay up for grabs.

By Ryan Augsburger, president of The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association

Manufacturers across Ohio have a unified message: “Creators Wanted.”

Hundreds of companies, including major household brands and small, family-owned enterprises, are looking for talented Ohioans of all ages to join their teams. With record numbers of job openings, above-average pay, incredible variety in the roles and specializations needed, and the promise of a long, rewarding career, there has rarely been a better time to get your start in manufacturing.

If you need proof of just how eager our industry is for talented new employees, stop by the Creators Wanted live tour coming to Columbus State College Community College through Thursday, Oct. 7.

Read the full op-ed in The Columbus Dispatch