2025 Student Design Challenge
Presented by the WVU Industrial Extension and Blenko Glass Company
About the Challenge
The 2025 Student Design Challenge Invites K-12 students across West Virginia to showcase their creativity by submitting an original glass design concept. The winning design will be transformed into a handcrafted Blenko glass piece, bringing the student’s vision to life!
This year’s theme, Glassalachia: A Celebration of Appalachian Alchemy, highlights the rich artistic traditions of Appalachia, blending heritage and innovation. Just as Blenko’ s artisans have shaped glass for generations, students will capture the magic of craftsmanship through designs inspired by Appalachian landscapes, culture, and creativity.
The winning design will be brought to life by Blenko’ s skilled artisans, giving one student the chance to see their artwork transformed into a one-of-a-kind glass masterpiece.
Part of the Manufacturing Day Initiative
The Student Design Challenge is part of Manufacturing Day (MFG Day), a nationwide initiative that introduces students to modern manufacturing careers and the opportunities available in high-tech, high-skill industries.
By participating, students will:
- Explore creativity and design thinking
- Learn about glass manufacturing and the role of artisans in industry
- Gain exposure to career opportunities in manufacturing
- Experience the process of turning a concept into a final product
Manufacturing is about innovation, problem-solving, and creativity, and this challenge gives students a chance to experience these concepts in action.
How to Enter
Submission Deadline: April 4, 2025
- Create a clear drawing of your glass design.
- Select a glass color from the options below.
- Include your information:
- Name, age, grade
- School (or homeschool status)
- Phone number
- Submit your design via email to tracy.straub@mail.wvu.edu.
You will receive a confirmation email once your submission has been received.
Note: The winning design will serve as inspiration for an original Blenko creation but may not be replicated exactly.
Exciting Opportunity for the Winner!
The winning artist will be invited to Blenko Glass to watch their design come to life! This hands-on experience will allow them to see master glassmakers at work and take home a one-of-a-kind piece inspired by their artwork.
Color Choices:
- Crystal
- Citrine
- Turquoise
- Clover
- Cerulean
- Cobalt
- Tangerine
- Heliotrope
- Orange (Final Shade TBD: Butternut, Pawpaw, or Dreamsicle)
For Educators
If your classroom is participating, we can help with the submission process! Contact Tracy Straub to arrange a pickup for student drawings directly from your school.
Get Involved!
This is a unique opportunity for students to explore design, creativity, and manufacturing while contributing to West Virginia’s rich glassmaking tradition.
For questions or to arrange a classroom submission pickup, contact: Tracy Straub, Strategic Marketing Manager at tracy.straub@mail.wvu.edu
Let’s go! We can't wait to see your designs!
Winning Student Design Launches This Manufacturing Day: Introducing the Scarlett Rocket Suncatcher
Blenko's Dave Wetz, Student Design Challenge winner Scarlett Ward, and WVU Industrial Extension's Jamie Cope.
This Manufacturing Day (MFG Day), we are thrilled to highlight the inspiring achievement of Scarlett Ward, a talented student from West Teays Elementary School in Hurricane, West Virginia. MFG Day is a national event that takes place annually on the first Friday of October to celebrate manufacturing and inspire the next generation of manufacturers. This year, we are proud to celebrate Scarlett’s exceptional creativity and vision.
Scarlett recently won the WVU Industrial Extension’s Student Design Challenge with her creative design—a rocket ship-themed suncatcher called the "Scarlett Rocket." This unique piece will be available for purchase on the Blenko Glass Company website starting Friday, October 4th, in celebration of MFG Day.
Scarlett's design was selected out of over 150 designs submitted by students throughout West Virginia, showcasing her outstanding creativity and talent. The journey from concept to completed product was an exciting adventure for Scarlett. Led by her art teacher, Lisa Alford, Scarlett and her classmates at West Teays Elementary were encouraged to explore their creativity through this initiative. With support and guidance from Ms. Alford, Scarlett's design stood out and earned her the opportunity to see her idea come to life.
An excited Scarlett Ward and her mom.
Scarlett, along with her family, was invited to Blenko Glass Company to experience the entire creative and manufacturing process firsthand. She was given an immersive tour of Blenko’s facilities, where she learned about the artistry and craftsmanship that bring beautiful glassworks to life. Scarlett watched her rocket ship design evolve from a sketch to a precisely crafted mold.
Under the guidance of Blenko artisans, Scarlett also took part in making her "Scarlett Rocket" suncatcher. The hands-on experience gave her the opportunity to work with molten glass and witness her creative vision transform into a stunning final piece. Scarlett’s experience extended beyond the creation of her suncatcher—she also explored the marketing and packaging aspects, learning how a product moves from the workshop to the customer’s hands.
Scarlett makes her suncatcher using a custom-made mold from her design.
Staci Miller, Director of the WVU Industrial Extension, spoke about the Student Design Challenge and the partnership with Blenko: “Manufacturing Day is a celebration of our community’s creativity, industry, and talent. We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with Blenko Glass Company and being able to host students like Scarlett gives us an opportunity to inspire the next generation of innovators right here in West Virginia.”
The partnership between WVU Industrial Extension and Blenko Glass Company is all about inspiring creativity, supporting local talent, and showcasing the incredible craftsmanship of West Virginia. Scarlett’s journey, from her rocket ship sketch to the completed Scarlett Rocket suncatcher, is a testament to the power of imagination, industry collaboration, and community support.
Scarlett and family with Blenko's Dave Wertz and WVU Industrial Extension's Jamie Cope.
The "Scarlett Rocket" suncatcher will be available for purchase on Blenko's website starting October 4th. Every suncatcher tells a story—not only of Scarlett’s vision and talent but also of the collaboration between educational institutions, local businesses, and the bright minds of the future.
We are also excited to announce that the next Student Design Challenge will launch in spring 2025. This initiative encourages young designers across the state to share their ideas, explore their creativity, and learn about the world of manufacturing. We look forward to seeing the next generation of imaginative designs!
To learn more about the Student Design Challenge or other Manufacturing Day Initiatives led by the WVU Industrial Extension, contact Tracy Straub, Strategic Marketing Manager, at tracy.straub@mail.wvu.edu.
