Inspiring the Next Generation: MI2 at IdeaFestival Bowling Green 2025

[Image: IF BG 2025]

MI2 was thrilled to once again be part of IdeaFestival Bowling Green 2025, an inspiring gathering of students eager to explore future career possibilities. Hosted by The Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University, this year’s event welcomed 900 middle and high school students from across the state, all ready to engage with big ideas and innovative industries—including Kentucky’s thriving metals sector.

Alongside our partners at AccelerateKY/Kentucky Small Business Development Center, we had the chance to connect with these bright young minds at our exhibit, sparking conversations about the many opportunities within Kentucky’s metals industry. Through interactive activities and informative resources, we aimed to make the world of metals both accessible and exciting for students considering their future career paths.

A standout feature of our booth was the ever-popular metals personality quiz. Designed as a fun and engaging way for students to learn about different metals, the quiz matched them with materials based on their traits—whether it was the strength of steel, the adaptability of aluminum, or the conductivity of copper. By exploring these characteristics, students gained a better understanding of how metals play a crucial role in industries and technologies they encounter every day.

We also shared our Kentucky Metals Guide, a collaborative effort with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. This comprehensive guide showcases the state’s metals industry, highlighting innovation, partnerships, and the vast career potential available within the field. 

Throughout the event, we were inspired by the enthusiasm and curiosity of the students who visited our booth. Their interest in emerging technologies and innovative industries reaffirmed our belief in the strength of Kentucky’s future workforce. As we continue to engage with students across the Commonwealth, we are committed to fostering connections that help them envision pathways into the metals industry.

We extend our appreciation to the organizers, volunteers, educators, and students who made IdeaFestival Bowling Green 2025 such a success. Events like these are crucial for building bridges between education and industry, and we are excited to keep expanding our outreach through our Talent & Workforce initiatives.