A student-led manufacturing summit is set to debut next week at the Days Inn in Warren.

The event – part of the “Student-Run Manufacturing Enterprise” – is hosted by the Northwest Industrial Resource Center and will be held on May 7 from 10 a.m to 2 p.m.

“The Summit, with this year’s theme ‘Reaching New Heights’, is a conference geared for students who are running a manufacturing business, right out of their high schools,” Laurie Knoll, NWIRC marketing and communications manager, said, ” in order for them to share best practices for making their programs stronger.”

Schools participating include the Warren County Career Center as well as McDowell, St. Marys, Bradford, Clarion-Limestone, Titusville and Corry.

“Students will be presenting information about their successes and challenges over the past year,” Knoll said, “as well as providing tips and asking for advice.

The event will include a “standardized work challenge,” as well as networking and a panel discussion.

“The panelists will share experiences and answer questions from the students focused on various areas of manufacturing including leadership, sales, engineering, quality and marketing,” Knoll said.

The SRME model puts the information learned during coursework to practical use as they produce actual parts, deliver services, add value as part of the supply chain for local manufacturers, and possibly create their own original products, according to NWIRC.

“Over the course of an academic school year, students learn about and perform different job functions in manufacturing, develop essential life-long skills, use advanced manufacturing technologies, and build relationships with local companies,” Knoll said. “At the same time this work readiness is occurring, capacity for local manufacturers is advancing and the next generation of manufacturing talent is being cultivated.

“Through this experience, students interact with local manufacturers and learn their requirements – including performance metrics for production, quality, and on-time delivery. Students are getting the opportunity to be mentored, gain expert insight, and develop manufacturing skills. The working relationships established and developed will position the students for future employment opportunities.”

The program is supported by a state Department of Community and Economic Development grant.