DEARBORN, Mich., July 13, 2007 – Automation Alley announced that it is “pleased to support the connection between the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Education Foundation and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) as a rich example of collaboration to answer a critical need. Their effort fulfills a critical link...to attract young people to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education. Research shows that early exposure to science and math can shape students’ commitment for pursuing careers in technology and engineering.”

Automation Alley met with members of SME Education Foundation, PLTW and the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce to help connect workforce development with education needs. Following the meeting, Automation Alley, on behalf of its 775 members which includes businesses, educational institutions and government entities in Southeast Michigan, expressed “strong support for STEM education initiatives, including the Science, Technology and Engineering Preview Summer (STEPS) Academy.”

The SME Education Foundation and PLTW created STEPS Academy to help increase middle school students’ interest in taking Gateway to Technology classes during the school year. At each STEPS Academy, PLTW-certified instructors facilitate project-based, high-interest instruction and activities. The co-ed program allows campers to use leading-edge technologies that they would otherwise most likely not encounter until college, sampling disciplines such as robotics, electronics and aerospace. By giving students a preview of the exciting applications of science, technology and engineering, STEPS Academy motivates students to get involved in school-year Gateway to Technology courses and take more advanced science and math courses in high school in preparation for college.

Sixteen states are hosting more than 60 STEPS Academies this summer, including two sessions in June at Jefferson/Whittier Middle School, in Pontiac, MI. The SME Education Foundation and PLTW aim to increase that number to 200 STEPS Academies by 2010.

Established in 1979, the SME Education Foundation has contributed more than $3 million over the past 11 years to support youth programs and initiatives that inspire, support and prepare young people for careers in manufacturing. For more information about these and other SME Education Foundation programs, go to www.sme.org/foundation.

About the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation is one of the nation’s leading non-profit organizations dedicated to advancing manufacturing education. Its approach is three-fold: to inspire youth to pursue careers in manufacturing; to support students studying for a career in an engineering-related field; and prepare these students through its Manufacturing Education Plan grant program in colleges and technical schools. The Foundation has provided more than $21 million in grants, scholarships and awards. The Education Foundation was created by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers in 1979 as a means of transforming manufacturing education in North American colleges and universities. For more information, visit www.sme.org/foundation.

About Project Lead the Way

Project Lead The Way^® is a not-for-profit organization that promotes pre-engineering courses for middle and high school students. PLTW forms partnerships with public schools, higher education institutions and the private sector to increase the quantity and quality of engineers and engineering technologists graduating from our educational system. For more information, visit www.pltw.org.

About Automation Alley

Automation Alley drives the growth and image of Southeast Michigan's technology economy through a collaborative culture that focuses on workforce and business development initiatives. Since its founding in 1999, Automation Alley has expanded to include more than 750 businesses, educational institutions and government entities, covering an eight county area and the city of Detroit. For more information, visit www.automationalley.com.

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If you have any questions or comments, please contact the SME Education Foundation by phone (313) 425-3300, e-mail foundation@sme.org, or Fax: (313) 425-3411