Expanding the Map: The Future Makers & Creators Tour Rolls Into 2026
The Future Makers & Creators Tour isn’t slowing down — it’s accelerating.
In partnership with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), the Tour continues to deliver immersive, real-world manufacturing experiences directly into schools across the state. As 2026 unfolds, the footprint is growing, bringing hands-on technology, local manufacturers, and meaningful conversations into classrooms that may have never seen manufacturing up close.
Here’s a look at where we’ve been and where we’re headed next
Where We’ve Been: A Statewide Showcase in Action
Over the past year, the Tour has reached students across eight counties, showcasing the depth and diversity of modern manufacturing.
Participating schools and manufacturers include:
Sussex County – Newton High School
Manufacturers: ThorLabs, Colinear Aerospace
Warren County – Phillipsburg High School
Manufacturers: Astrodyne TDI, Albea Americas, Mars Wrigley, ThorLabs, Bihler of America
Hudson County – iLearn School – Junior High
Manufacturers: SOS Gases Inc.
Burlington County – Willingboro High School
Manufacturers: Inductotherm, QPSI, A. Smith & Son, BLUSA Defense Manufacturing, BMC BioMediCon
Hunterdon County – Hunterdon Central Regional High School
Manufacturers: Bihler, Mechanical Precision, ThorLabs, Mega Power
Monmouth County – Monmouth Regional High School
Manufacturers: Spectrum Plastics (DuPont), Brecoflex Co., ProCure Card, Hattaras Press, Aptar Beauty
Morris County – Morristown High School
Manufacturers: ThorLabs, Generant, Sea Breeze, Maplewood Shop
Somerset County – Hillsborough High School
Manufacturers: Bihler of America, Hercules Chassis, L&Z Tool & Engineering, Maplewood Shop
Mercer County – Trenton High School
Manufacturers: Modern Line Furniture, Pierce Roberts Rubber Co., ThorLabs, Switlik
Each stop brings something different, but the goal remains the same: introduce students to careers they may not have considered and connect local manufacturers to their future workforce.
What the Tour Really Delivers
The Future Makers & Creators Tour isn’t just a career fair. It’s an interactive experience designed to spark curiosity.
Students get the chance to:
- Explore advanced equipment like 3D printers, robotic arms, CNC machines, and welding simulators
- Have direct conversations with engineers, technicians, and manufacturing leaders
- See how precision technology, automation, and innovation drive modern production
- Gain insight into the many educational and training pathways that connect directly to industry careers
It’s about sparking curiosity early and reshaping perceptions. Manufacturing today is innovative, technology-driven, and purpose-filled — and students get to see that reality up close.
For manufacturers, it’s an opportunity to gain visibility and engage with their future workforce in a meaningful, community-driven way.
Where We’re Headed in 2026
The mission continues.
In 2026, the Tour is expanding into new regions across the state, including:
- Gloucester County
- Salem County
- Cape May County
- Ocean County
- Cumberland County
These counties represent new opportunities to connect students with employers and ensure that manufacturing awareness reaches every corner of the state.
The momentum is building and the demand from schools continues to grow.
Join the Movement
The Future Makers & Creators Tour works because of collaboration. It brings together educators, manufacturers, and community leaders around a shared goal: strengthening the future workforce.
If you’re a manufacturer looking to inspire the next generation — or an educator interested in bringing the Tour to your school — now is the time to get involved.
The next generation of makers and creators is already here.
We’re simply helping them see what’s possible.