Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1510765
10 SMT007 MAGAZINE I NOVEMBER 2023 Feature Interview by Barry Matties I-CONNECT007 ere are negative stereotypes and a gen- eral lack of awareness about manufacturing and viable career paths among today's emerg- ing workforce. To help change that perception and introduce young minds to modern manu- facturing, Schweitzer Engineering Laborato- ries (SEL) hosts thousands of K-12 students to tour and experience its manufacturing facilities. e outreach goes beyond the stu- dents—this effort also raises awareness with educators. In this interview, John Cassleman, program manager for SEL's K-12 outreach, says this effort is working and providing hope for the future. Barry Matties: John, how many students have taken part in SEL's K-12 outreach program and how does it work? John Cassleman: We've had 2,300 students par- ticipate over the past year (and even more when SEL's Intentional K-12 Outreach Paying Off