High School Students (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14) room—and pool area—was no different. Students dove into their projects, working side by side to transform stacks of corrugated sheets into creative, functional builds. The Student Perspective The consensus among students was clear: the projects were fun, challenging, and unlike anything they had done before. Many admitted they had never thought about where corrugated boxes came from or realized that an entire industry was behind them. Some discovered a new- found interest in engineering or design, while others said the experience changed the way they thought about man- ufacturing itself. “It was eye-opening,” one student shared. “I didn’t ex- pect to enjoy it as much as I did. It was creative, it was teamwork, and it was fun.” Connecting Classroom And Industry Goldberg brings real-world industry experience to the classroom, fostering learning and engagement through answering questions, offering advice, and sharing industry knowledge, bringing authenticity to the projects. Students
also learn about ca- reer paths in corru- gated, from machine operations to struc- tural design, custom- er service, and be- yond. “What’s most re- warding is seeing stu- dents light up when they realize they’ve created something that actually works,” Goldberg said. “That excitement is exact- ly what our industry needs.” The partnership between Valley Cen-
Students test how much weight their corrugated creation could hold.
tral and Goldberg has endured because it meets a need on both sides. For students, it’s a chance to learn prob- lem-solving skills and gain exposure to an industry they may never have encountered otherwise. For the corrugat- ed industry, it’s a way to spark interest in the next gener- ation of employees at a time when workforce challenges are top of mind. As Goldberg often reminds both students and industry colleagues, “If you want to attract young people into our industry, you have to get to them in the high schools. They need to see it, touch it, and experience it for themselves.” More Than Packaging This year’s projects have once again proved corru- gated as a versatile medium for learning, discovery, and creativity. Students walked away with new skills, new con fidence, and a new appreciation for corrugated.
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www.boardconvertingnews.com
September 1, 2025
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