JAMESTOWN — More than 900 middle and high school students met at Jamestown Community College’s Physical Education Complex to demonstrate their skills to manufacturers at the annual Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Wars.

Twenty-three schools took part in the event held Thursday that was organized by the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier and Dream It Do It of Western New York, JCC, the Chautauqua County Education Coalition, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and the New York State Technology and Engineering Educators Association. A career fair was also held with approximately 25 businesses from around the region. The event has been held at JCC for five years.

“The challenge is using your STEM skills and that knowledge,” said Carly Abbate MAST director of industrial services.

She also said the event is an excellent way for high school students to reach out to potential employers.

Abbate first welcomed the students to the event. She then welcomed Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello, who then spoke to the students.

“This is exciting You have an opportunity here to show us your skills,” Borrello said. “This is the future of technology, manufacturing and of Chautauqua County.”

Students then heard from Coorine Case, JCC executive director, regarding the potential to attend the school’s classes free of charge. She explained that JCC offers the ability to do so through the Workforce Readiness Scholarship.

The scholarship has been established by JCC in cooperation with MAST and offers financial coverage of pre-paid books, in-state tuition, fees, and program supplies to students who are enrolled into programs offered at JCC’s Manufacturing Technology Institute locations at the Jamestown and Cattaraugus County campuses. The scholarship is designed for high school graduates in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties in New York. Students in Warren, Forest, Potter, McKean, Elk and Cameron counties and Corry and North East in Erie county who are eligible.

During recruitment, recipients are matched with manufacturers for part-time employment, a paid internship or an apprenticeship.

Following Borrello’s discussion, students arranged exhibits of various kinetic, mathematic, technological and scientific projects. These included Rube Goldburg machines, pinewood derby racing, robot challenges and motor demonstrations.

Additionally some employers also came with samples of products in their manufacturing lines. Cummins of Jamestown demonstrated a diesel engine unit and Allen Industrial Sales of Falconer had a trailer on display.

For more information on upcoming STEM events visit didiwny.com or call 484-1101.