CHARLOTTE, NC – 07/10/2025 – (SeaPRwire) – As industries across the globe race toward a future defined by innovation, sustainability, and advanced technologies, education remains at the heart of preparing young minds for tomorrow’s opportunities. Discovery Education — the global leader in PreK-12 digital learning solutions — is deepening its commitment to career-connected learning with a robust new suite of resources timed for Manufacturing Day 2025. These offerings are designed to help teachers inspire curiosity, connect students to real-world careers, and ignite interest in one of the most rapidly evolving sectors of the global economy: manufacturing.
Manufacturing Day, established by the Manufacturing Institute, takes place annually on the first Friday of October and serves as a national celebration of modern manufacturing and its critical role in shaping the world. With more than 4 million new manufacturing jobs projected to emerge in the coming decade, the day also underscores the urgent need for new talent — from engineers and machine operators to data analysts and materials scientists — to power the industry’s growth. Discovery Education’s expanded resources aim to bridge the gap between classroom learning and career readiness, equipping students with both awareness and inspiration to pursue these future pathways.
At the center of this initiative is Career Connect, an award-winning feature within Discovery Education Experience that brings authentic career encounters into classrooms everywhere. Through virtual classroom visits, educators can invite professionals from top organizations — including Nucor, Trane Technologies, and others — to share insights about their work and the real-world skills needed to thrive in their fields. Teachers can tailor these experiences by choosing industry types, locations, languages, and job functions, ensuring personalized learning connections that make STEM education tangible and exciting.
Complementing these live engagements are Discovery Education’s Virtual Field Trips (VFTs) — immersive experiences that transport students beyond the textbook and into the frontlines of innovation. Two new VFTs are set to debut this October, each offering an in-depth look into the future of manufacturing and the diverse roles that make it possible.
The first, “Forging Innovation: A Mission Possible Virtual Field Trip”, premieres on October 9, 2025, inviting students in grades 6–12 to explore the fascinating world of steel — one of the most essential materials shaping modern society. Powered by Nucor and developed through the STEM Careers Coalition, the program delves into how steel is produced from raw materials, the processes that enhance its properties, and the critical part it plays in architecture and structural engineering. Students will witness how creativity and technical expertise intersect as engineers and architects use steel to overcome design challenges and redefine the built environment.
Later in the month, on October 29, 2025, Discovery Education will premiere “Careers at Sea and Shore: A Virtual Field Trip to Maritime Manufacturing Centers.” This immersive experience takes learners deep into the world of marine engineering, where submarines and national defense technologies come to life. Funded through the U.S. Department of Defense’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program and part of the Operation Prevention initiative with the Drug Enforcement Administration, this virtual journey highlights the connection between healthy, drug-free lifestyles and the pursuit of meaningful technical careers. Students meet engineers, welders, and technicians who are driving the next generation of maritime innovation.
In addition to these immersive experiences, Discovery Education has unveiled an updated library of professional career profiles, giving students a window into the personal journeys of professionals across industries. This month’s spotlight focuses on advanced manufacturing and includes perspectives from experts representing STEM Careers Coalition partners such as Nucor, Prologis Foundation, Capital Power, COX, The Swinerton Foundation, Keysight, and Nevada Gold Mines. These profiles provide both inspiration and practical insights into career pathways that are shaping global progress.
A new feature also introduces students to a flour production manager, offering a glimpse into the agricultural manufacturing sector and the science behind staple food production. This content is part of Cooperative Minds, a collaborative educational initiative between Discovery Education and the CHS Foundation that explores the intersections of agriculture, innovation, and sustainability.
All these resources are available through Discovery Education Experience, the company’s flagship digital learning platform that serves as an essential classroom companion for millions of educators worldwide. The platform integrates award-winning multimedia, instructional supports, and hands-on learning tools, providing a dynamic ecosystem for career-connected teaching.
“Connecting classroom learning to real-world applications remains one of the most powerful ways to engage students,” said Catherine Dunlop, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education. “Our 2025–2026 Education Insights report reaffirms that students thrive when they can see a direct link between what they learn and the possibilities ahead. Manufacturing Day gives educators the perfect opportunity to showcase these connections, helping young people imagine themselves as the innovators, builders, and problem-solvers of tomorrow.”
Through its partnerships with education systems, corporations, and nonprofits, Discovery Education continues to expand its impact — reaching approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students across more than 100 countries and territories. Its growing ecosystem of digital tools is empowering teachers to cultivate curiosity, build confidence, and prepare students for success in an increasingly dynamic global workforce.
For additional information on Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, educators can visit www.discoveryeducation.com or connect via LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is a global edtech leader delivering state-of-the-art digital solutions that help educators engage students, enhance academic outcomes, and build future-ready skills. With award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, and innovative tools designed to make learning engaging and accessible, Discovery Education empowers teachers to deliver impactful educational experiences. Serving approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students in more than 100 countries and territories, Discovery Education continues to transform classrooms worldwide through partnerships with school systems, government agencies, and trusted organizations.