Program encouraging students to consider manufacturing expanding to Niagara County

Nov. 15—A Jamestown-based program meant to create the next generation of manufacturing laborers is expanding northward through Niagara and Erie counties.

Dream It Do It Western New York, which began in 2009 in Chautauqua County, works to get kids from eighth through 12th grade interested in manufacturing jobs through trips to manufacturers, summer camps, and learning about what products are made locally. Participation can earn those students certifications while making connections with those already working in manufacturing.

"Engaging and energizing students in middle and high school and connecting them to the manufacturing economy and careers is the core purpose of DIDIWNY," said program President Todd Tranum. "We look forward to building strong partnerships with school districts, colleges and community-based organizations and connecting early talent with manufacturers."

Niagara County Director Allison Sharpe was hired this August with the program aiming to launch in 2025. It had previously worked in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegheny counties, with expansion possible thanks to matching $700,000 grants from the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation and Empire State Development.

Sharpe said their interest in Niagara County had to do with the need for new such jobs here, with 275 manufacturers employing 8,500 county residents, and they are always looking for more.

"We have a high need here," Sharpe said.

"In today's economy, workforce development is economic development," said county Department of Economic Development Commissioner Mike Casale. "We are proud to work with and support the start-up of the DIDIWNY initiative here in Niagara County and thankful for the support of the Niagara County Legislature."

So far, Dream It Do It has partnered with school districts in Niagara Falls, Lockport, and North Tonawanda as well as Orleans/Niagara BOCES, and plans on reaching out to all the county's school districts. It is also partnering with SUNY Niagara to hold its camps there and with the Western New York Technology Educators Association to support its annual Tech Wars.

Such camps planned during the current school year include Manufacturing Mayhem Technology and Girls in Manufacturing.

The program is supported by Empire State Development, National Grid, the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, the Gregg Lewis Foundation, and the Niagara County Legislature.