Manufacturing Day (MFG Day), led by the Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education arm of the National Association of Manufacturers, is a nationwide movement to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of makers. Each year, MFG Day brings manufacturers together to open their doors, share their stories, and ignite curiosity in students, educators, and community leaders. It’s a moment to showcase the innovation, creativity, and purpose that define modern manufacturing, and to help young people see themselves in it.
ACC is committed to creating pathways for future leaders in manufacturing. We applaud the Manufacturing Institute for inspiring the next generation of industry leaders and reminding people across the nation that manufacturers don’t just build products, we build futures.
As an industry, U.S. chemical manufacturing fuels over half a million direct jobs and supports millions more across the country, from lab technicians and engineers to logistics professionals and plant operators. With average salaries topping $100,000, these careers offer not just stability but serious opportunity. The industry’s future is just as bright: driven by cutting-edge research, sustainability breakthroughs, and global demand, chemical manufacturing is expanding fast and investing heavily in the next generation of talent.
ACC believes the future of manufacturing depends on investing in people. That’s why we’re proud to support Manufacturing Day alongside initiatives like the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI), which provides scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development to students pursuing industry relevant science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) degrees at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
FOSSI is more than a scholarship, it’s a launchpad. By connecting students with industry leaders and career opportunities, we’re helping build a skilled and energized workforce ready to lead the next wave of innovation in manufacturing.
Whether it’s developing sustainable materials, advancing clean energy technologies, or producing life-saving medical products, careers in manufacturing offer purpose, stability, and growth. MFG Day reminds us that these opportunities are within reach, and that it’s our responsibility to make them visible and accessible.