SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — More Michigan students will have access to new advanced manufacturing technology and training through the SME Education Foundation's SME PRIME® program, due to an expansion of the public-private partnership between the Foundation and the state of Michigan to strengthen the portfolio of state manufacturing talents.
The expansion of SME PRIME to 16 new high schools brings the number of SME PRIME® schools in Michigan to 50, creating a broad network of exposure and access for youth to relevant hands-on educational experiences in manufacturing and engineering.
Currently, there are more than 620,000 manufacturing jobs. empty in the U.S. This shortage is projected to increase to 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030. SME PRIME helps address this critical shortage by providing schools with customized, project-based learning programs that meet the needs of local manufacturers.
“SME PRIME paves the way for students to develop specialized skills in advanced manufacturing and puts them on a career path to earn a living wage here in Michigan,” said SME Education Foundation Vice President Rob Luce. “We thank the state of Michigan for their partnership and trust in us to inspire, prepare and support the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent.
With input from private industry, SME PRIME (Partnership Response In Manufacturing Education) creates customized manufacturing and engineering programs in high schools across the country, providing equipment, curriculum, teacher training, student scholarships, and funding for extracurricular and sustainability of the program. SME PRIME is designed to meet the needs of local manufacturers and is aligned with 40 industry-recognized credentials and certifications. SME PRIME is located in 110 schools in 23 states, serves 10,000 students, and 91% of SME PRIME seniors pursue graduate degrees in manufacturing.
The 16 additional Michigan schools introducing SME PRIME to their students this year include:
- Caledonia High School, Caledonia
- COOR Advanced Technical Innovation Centre, Roscommon
- Davison High School, Davison
- Delata Schoolcraft Intermediate School District, Escanaba
- Holt High School, Holt
- INVEST Roosevelt, Hazel Park
- Kearsley High School, Flint
- Kelloggsville High School, Wyoming
- Lakeview High School, Saint Clair Shores
- Lincoln Senior High School, Ypsilanti
- Marshall High School, Marshall
- Northwest Educational Services Career technology Center, Traverse City
- Owosso High School, Owosso
- Salina High School, Salina
- Waverly Senior High School, Lansing
- Ypsilanti Community High School, Ypsilanti
“No matter who you are, where you come from or what community you are in, it is important to have the tools that prepare you for your career and that is what SME PRIME ensures,” said Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate. “The legislature is proud to support the manufacturing community and the future leaders of the state of Michigan.”
The SME Education Foundation works closely with the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) to facilitate manufacturer participation in assessing local workforce needs and subsequently developing the SME PRIME curriculum.
“This expansion of the SME PRIME program benefits Michigan manufacturers,” said John Walsh, president and CEO of MMA. “Our manufacturing partners need ambitious, creative and prepared young people who are ready to join the advanced manufacturing workforce. “We are proud to champion our manufacturing partners and be a key contributor to expanding SME PRIME in Michigan.”
About SME PRIME
SME PRIME® partners private industry with academia to create customized manufacturing and engineering programs in high schools across the country, providing equipment, curriculum, teacher training, student scholarships, and funding for extracurricular activities and program sustainability. SME PRIME is designed to meet the needs of local manufacturers and is aligned with over 40 industry-recognized certifications. SME PRIME is located in 110 schools in 23 states, serves 10,000 students, and 91% of PRIME seniors pursue graduate studies in manufacturing.
About the SME Education Foundation
As the philanthropic arm of SMEs, the SME Education Foundation inspires, prepares and supports the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent. Established in 1979, the Foundation works to expose young people to modern manufacturing technologies, train students in relevant manufacturing processes, and award millions of dollars in scholarships annually. All Foundation programming seeks to empower young people to consider and pursue careers in manufacturing and engineering and increase engagement with historically underrepresented populations to help diversify the manufacturing industry. We continue to inspire, prepare and support the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent, now serving up to 12,000 students each year. Visit smeef.org and follow the SME Education Foundation on LinkedIn, twitter.com/mfgeducation” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>twitter, instagram.com/mfgeducation/?hl=en” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>instagramand facebook.com/SME.Education.Foundation” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>facebook.
About SMEs
Established in 1932 as a nonprofit organization, SME represents the entire North American manufacturing industry, including manufacturers, academia, professionals, students, and the communities in which they operate. We believe manufacturing is the key to economic growth and prosperity, and champion the industry's potential as a diverse, prosperous and valued ecosystem. SME accelerates the adoption of new technologies and develops North American talent and capabilities to advance manufacturing and drive competitiveness, resilience and national security. SMEs design new ways to understand and solve problems, and our solutions drive the next wave of growth in manufacturing. Get more information at SME.org.
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