Greater Lafayette, IND — Greater Lafayette Commerce (GLC) is hosting its 11th annual Manufacturing Week from Sept. 29–Oct. 3, bringing nearly 2,000 students and 15 regional employers together at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds and local manufacturing facilities. The event offers K–12 students across nine counties a firsthand look at careers in advanced manufacturing and logistics, the industries that power Greater Lafayette’s economy.

Manufacturing Week began as a single-day program and has since grown into a weeklong, region-wide initiative that has introduced more than 20,000 students to modern manufacturing careers. Last year alone, the program reached 2,581 students from 27 school districts. Manufacturing accounts for nearly 30 percent of Greater Lafayette’s GDP and employs tens of thousands of residents, but employers face growing pressure to fill technical and skilled roles. Manufacturing Week helps address that challenge by sparking early student interest and highlighting career pathways close to home.

“Manufacturing Week is about helping students see a future for themselves in our community,” said Kara Webb, director of workforce development at GLC. “When they connect with employers and see modern manufacturing up close, it changes the way they imagine their own paths. It shows them that the skills they’re building today open doors to stable, high-wage opportunities in Greater Lafayette.”

Throughout the week, students rotate through interactive stations led by manufacturers, STEM educators and community volunteers. Activities showcase cutting-edge technology, including CAD design software, 3-D printing, robotics and safety engineering tools.

Students at every grade level receive a tailored experience: elementary students engage in hands-on activities with local manufacturers, middle schoolers explore immersive career activities and high schoolers tour manufacturing facilities to see modern production in action. In 2024, more than 422 high schoolers toured facilities, 1,301 middle schoolers explored careers and 858 elementary students engaged directly with local manufacturers.

“For manufacturers like us, promoting career awareness to the workforce of tomorrow is critical to our future,” said Scott Brand, president and chief operating officer for Subaru of Indiana Automotive. “We’re dedicated to providing area students with hands-on experiences that expose them to the possibilities of a rewarding, lifelong career in manufacturing. Our community is fortunate to have workforce development programs like Manufacturing Week. We’re proud to continue serving as the presenting sponsor and support Greater Lafayette Commerce initiatives.”

The program spans Benton, Carroll, Clinton, Fountain, Montgomery, Tippecanoe, Warren and White counties, ensuring access to career-connected learning opportunities across the region.

"Manufacturing Week offers an excellent opportunity for our students to get hands-on learning experiences with seasoned professionals from our community,” said Leo Leffert, principle at Tecumseh Junior High School. “The fair ignites curiosity in our students surrounding career opportunities beyond junior high and high school."

Manufacturing Week was originally inspired by National Manufacturing Day, which engages more than 3,000 businesses and 275,000 students nationwide each October. GLC’s program is unique in its holistic approach, connecting manufacturers, educators and volunteers to give students a comprehensive view of design, production, logistics and support roles within manufacturing.

Students can also continue their learning throughout Manufacturing Month via a digital platform offering interactive courses. The online program is open to public, private and homeschool students across all eight counties.

Members of the media are invited to attend Manufacturing Week. Media hours run from 9:30–11:30 a.m. daily at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds. 

About Greater Lafayette Commerce

Headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana, Greater Lafayette Commerce (GLC) has been the region’s premier chamber of commerce and economic development organization since 1927. By uniting business, education, government and civic partners, GLC drives growth, supports local enterprises and enhances the quality of life in Greater Lafayette. Learn more at greaterlafayettecommerce.com.

Media Contact

Shelby White

Marketing & communications

Greater Lafayette Commerce

(765) 742-4044

swhite@greaterlafayettecommerce.com

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