October Becomes “Manufacturing Month” in Allen
In Allen ISD, October could easily be called “Manufacturing Month.” While not an official designation, the district, local businesses, and community partners came together to create a month filled with career exploration opportunities that connected students with industries shaping the future. From career fairs and hands on learning to behind the scenes tours, students found pathways linking classroom learning to real world success.
Gears and Careers: Opening Doors for Students and Families
The month began with Gears and Careers, a community wide event hosted in partnership with the Allen Economic Development Corporation and the Allen Chamber of Commerce. The evening welcomed students in grades 7 to 12, their families, and local residents to explore career options across a wide range of industries.
Timed with National Manufacturing Day, the event went beyond manufacturing to showcase career opportunities in engineering, information technology, healthcare, culinary arts, business, finance, and more. Local employers and Allen ISD’s Career and Technical Education programs teamed up to provide hands on activities and interactive demonstrations. Students had the chance to ask questions, network with professionals, and see how classroom learning connects to future careers.
The event highlighted Allen ISD’s commitment to equipping students with future ready skills and building strong partnerships between schools and the community.
Engineering Day: Real World STEM Learning
Allen High School students had another chance to dive deeper into technical careers through Engineering Day at Collin College’s Technical Campus. CTE students rotated through seven industry led stations hosted by companies such as Braun Intertec, CEC, Flexlink, White Hawk Engineering, and the City of Allen Engineering Department. Each stop gave students a window into daily engineering challenges, workplace expectations, and problem solving in action.
College partners including Texas State University, Texas A and M University, the University of Texas at Dallas, and Collin College added another layer of opportunity, connecting students with information about higher education programs and pathways into STEM careers. The Allen Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors guided groups throughout the day, encouraging dialogue about career planning and professional development.
The result was a blend of industry expertise and higher education guidance, giving students a clearer picture of how their academic interests could translate into rewarding careers.
Manufacturing Day: Hands On Exploration with Local Companies
The month concluded with Allen ISD’s second annual Manufacturing Day, a large scale event that brought more than 200 juniors and seniors face to face with local manufacturers. Supported by the Allen Economic Development Corporation and a grant from the Foundation For Allen Schools, the day featured tours of up to four Allen based companies.
Students visited All Metals Fabricating, Nordson, Kone, Flexlink, Amphenol, Anora Labs, IntelliEPI, and Visitech. They saw advanced technologies at work, engaged with industry professionals, and gained firsthand exposure to the skills and training required in today’s manufacturing sector. A panel discussion added depth, with company leaders sharing personal career journeys and insights into the evolving landscape of technical careers.
By highlighting local opportunities, the event bridged the gap between classroom instruction and the workforce, inspiring students to envision futures in high demand fields right in their own community.
A Month of Opportunity
Together, these three events transformed October into a month of discovery, exploration, and connection for Allen ISD students. Through hands on activities, higher education partnerships, and real world experiences, students gained valuable insight into careers that align with their interests and the needs of a growing economy.
While “Manufacturing Month in Allen” may not be official, its impact on students and the community was undeniable.
