As the philanthropic arm of SME, the SME Education Foundation inspires, prepares, and supports the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent. Established in 1979, the Foundation works to expose youth to modern manufacturing technologies, train students on relevant manufacturing processes, and award millions of dollars in scholarships annually. All Foundation programming seeks to empower youth 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 as many as 10,000 students every year.
3
Distinct Programs
12,000
Students Served
$20M
Distributed
Preparing the Next Generation Workforce
Two million manufacturing jobs need to be filled by 2030. Bright Minds Student Summits are the response to this challenge.
Our Programs in Action
We Inspire
Hosted alongside SME conferences and events, SME Bright Minds Student Summits showcase the high-tech nature of modern manufacturing and promote the industry as an exciting, growing, and lucrative career path to high school students and educators – delivering insightful programming that features guided show-floor tours, technology demonstrations, and keynote speakers. SME Bright Minds Student Summits provide a platform for manufacturers to engage with the next generation of talent.
We Prepare
SME PRIME® partners private industry with academia to build custom manufacturing and engineering programs in high schools across the country, providing equipment, curriculum, teacher training, student scholarships, and funding for extra-curricular activities and program sustainability. SME PRIME is tailored to meet the needs of local manufacturers and is aligned with over 30 industry recognized certifications. SME PRIME is located in 110 schools across 23 states, serving 10,000 students, and 91% of SME PRIME seniors pursue manufacturing post-graduation.
We Support
The SME Education Foundation scholarship program awards millions of dollars to hundreds of graduating high school seniors and current college students across the country. With more than 60 distinct programs, the Foundation provides merit and need-based scholarships, issues renewing and one-time awards, and seeks applications from all eligible students, including but not limited to young women and other underrepresented communities. Since 2005, the Foundation has awarded 18 million to over 5,000 future industry leaders.
Make an Impact
Your support provides a life-changing opportunity and will shape the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent. Please consider an investment in manufacturing’s future and explore various ways to give here.
Recent Program Stories
Haimer USA Funds SME Scholarships to Help Next Generation of Manufacturers
Haimer USA — the Illinois-based U.S. subsidiary of a German company that develops, manufactures and distributes high-precision products for metal cutting — recently invested in the SME Education Foundation with a $25,000 donation to fund two renewing scholarships.
Siblings Entrust SME Education Foundation to Endow Scholarship Fund, Honoring Brother’s Planned-Giving Wishes
Funded with a nearly seven-figure, transformational gift from the estate of Jerry Wickman, the SME Education Foundation has created the Jerry L. Wickman Scholarship — geared toward providing need-based support to Latina students.
New SME Education Foundation Community of Scholars Initiative Features Bright Minds Student Mentorship Program
Abraham “Abe” Francis of Sacramento, California, is one of the first SME Education Foundation scholarship recipients to benefit from the SME Bright Minds Student Mentorship Program.
Connect with the SME Education Foundation
Stay up-to-date on what's happening with the foundation, the SME PRIME Program, upcoming student summits, scholarship opportunities and more.
Recent Program Announcements
Expertise Freely Shared Yields Additive Effects on Student Success
The 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐔𝐒𝐀 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬, part of the National Leadership & Skills Conference, showcase top talents from 6,000 U.S. students in over 100 competitions in partnership with the SME Education Foundation. This event highlights the skill, leadership, and massive collaborative effort.
Expansion of SME PRIME Program to Additional Michigan High Schools Announced at Troy High School Manufacturing Day Event
TROY, MICH. – OCT. 6, 2023 – The SME Education Foundation announced an expansion of its public/private partnership with the State of Michigan today, powering its SME Partnership Response In Manufacturing Education (PRIME) program in 16 additional high schools throughout the state.
Almost 200 high school students joined EASTEC 2023 to experience new technologies
Our Bright Minds Student Summit at EASTEC allowed high school students to get their first taste of manufacturing with keynote speakers and guided show-floor tours of exhibiting manufacturing companies.
Make A Donation
Help us Inspire, Prepare and Support the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent. We have many donations opportunities for you get involved and make a difference.