Manufacturing Matters: CMMA Student Voices Contest
Contest Rules & Entry Framework
1. Contest Purpose
The CMMA Student Voices Contest engages students in exploring modern manufacturing careers through creative expression. Students may submit videos, artwork, or essays that highlight how manufacturing careers impact their communities and keep Minnesota moving.
Winning submissions will be recognized at the CMMA Holiday Social following Manufacturing Month.
This contest aligns with broader workforce development efforts and allows video submissions to also qualify for the MNCOE Manufacturing Video Contest when applicable.
2. Eligibility
Eligible participants must:
• Be enrolled in grades 9–12
• Attend a school located in Central Minnesota
• Submit original work
• Have permission from a parent or guardian if under 18
Entries may be:
• Individual submissions
• Small teams (maximum 3 students)
Each student may submit:
• One entry per category
Categories:
• Video
• Art
• Essay
3. Contest Categories & Rules
Video Category
This category follows similar standards to the Minnesota Manufacturers Alliance Video Contest so students may submit the same video to both contests.
Video Length
60–120 seconds
Theme Options
Students should focus on one or more of the following:
• Manufacturing careers
• Local manufacturers in their community
• Technology and innovation in manufacturing
• Skills needed for manufacturing jobs
• Why manufacturing matters to Minnesota
Video Requirements
• Original student-produced content
• Clear message about manufacturing careers
• May include interviews, narration, or storytelling
• Landscape orientation preferred
• Must include title slide or opening title
Technical Requirements
File format: MP4 Resolution: 1080p preferred
Art Category
Students may submit artwork that represents how manufacturing impacts their community.
Accepted Formats
• Digital art
• Illustration
• Photography
• Painting
• Mixed media
Theme
“How Manufacturing Moves Minnesota”
Submission Requirements
High resolution JPG or PNG • Maximum file size: 20 MB • Include 100–200 word artist statement
Essay Category
Students may submit essays reflecting on the importance of manufacturing careers.
Essay Length
- High School 750–1,200 words
Essay Prompts (Suggested)
• A career in manufacturing that interests me
• Why manufacturing matters in my community
• How manufacturing keeps Minnesota moving
• The future of manufacturing innovation
4. Judging Criteria
Each submission will be evaluated by a panel of manufacturers, educators, and CMMA members.
Scoring Rubric (100 Points)
Creativity & Originality 25 points
Understanding of Manufacturing Careers 25 points
Quality of Presentation or Execution 20 points
Clarity of Message 20 points
Overall Impact 10 points
5. Submission Process
To keep submissions simple and accessible for students, entries will be submitted through:
• Online submission form
• File upload link (Google Drive / Submittable / Dropbox)
Each submission must include:
• Student entry form
• Uploaded file (video, image, or document)
• Teacher sponsor information (if applicable)
• Parent/guardian consent form
Deadline: October 31 (Manufacturing Month)
6. Judging Panel
The judging panel will include:
• CMMA manufacturer representatives
• Educators
• Workforce development professionals
• CMMA board members
7. Awards
Winners will be announced at the CMMA Holiday Social.
Awards may include:
Scholarships from CMMA Education Fund
Teacher Incentives: Classroom cash grant for highest participation
Recognition at CMMA events
Winning submissions showcased on the CMMA website and social media