Now, the recession is serving up a serious wake-up call. Tumultuous times provoke change. People today are recognizing that our American identity—our economic power—does not exist solely on Wall Street. It also exists in the tradition of innovation and in the muscle and sweat that built the nation, and continues to sustain it. After all, where would we be without plumbers, electricians, welders, elevator repairers, and lathe operators? Still, because of the long-standing social stigma against manufacturing and hands-on work, young people have turned their backs on these industries as options for meaningful work that provides a secure future.