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 Since 2019
Preparing the Next Generation Workforce
Two million manufacturing jobs need to be filled by 2030. SME Education Foundation is 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
Nothing’s Off the Table’ in SME Mentorship Program’s Mentor-Mentee Talks
Kai Collins, an 18-year-old student in the Pavlis Honors College at Michigan Technological University, joined the SME Bright Minds Student Mentorship Program — part of the SME Education Foundation’s Community of Scholars initiative — because he wanted to develop his networking skills.
Building the Future: Advancing Manufacturing Through Partnership
Charlie Shor, founder and Chairman of the Charles L. Shor Foundation, is on a mission to revitalize U.S. manufacturing and restore middle-class job opportunities.
SME Education Foundation Re-Engages with PPG Foundation to Provide STEM Scholarships
In 2008, the SME Education Foundation began a long-term partnership with PPG, an industrial coatings provider, by administering a scholarship for the PPG Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PPG.
2023 was a record year for the SME Education Foundation as Bright Minds Student Summits, SME PRIME, and the Scholarship program delivered impressive results.
Recent Program Announcements
SME Education Foundation Awards Nearly $850k in Scholarships to Students Pursuing Manufacturing Careers
Record number of 1,697 applications reviewed
SME Education Foundation Celebrates Winning Teams of the Bright Minds Student Summit at RAPID + TCT & AeroDef Manufacturing
The SME Education Foundation is proud to announce the winners of the Bright Minds Student Summit at RAPID + TCT & AeroDef Manufacturing, held April 8-10 in Detroit.
Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation and SME Education Foundation Launch Scholarship Program to Empower Neurodiverse Students
Over $200K in Scholarships to Expand Access to Manufacturing and Engineering Careers
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.