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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Our industry will continue to thrive by working to increase opportunities for women and minorities.

Women and minorities are underrepresented in the manufacturing industry. Statistics illustrate the discrepancy. Currently, only 21% of engineering bachelor’s degree recipients are women, while minorities account for just 13% of science and engineering positions. Similarly, in industry, women represent just 29% of the manufacturing workforce while minorities account for only 20%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. The Foundation is working to increase opportunities for women and minorities. In the past two years, a record number of scholarships were awarded to underrepresented students. By completing just one application, students can apply for all scholarships for which they are eligible. It’s easy!

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Need-based Renewable Scholarships

Need-based Renewable Scholarships

Graduating high school seniors are eligible to apply for these new scholarships, up to $20,000.
Gideon Ndeh

Gideon Ndeh: Inspiring Aspiration

A sophomore at Georgia Tech, scholarships are critical to sustaining Gideon Ndeh. “Scholarships are life changing. They shift the momentum; allow focus on my education. They’ve been a necessity — they’ve changed everything. I feel blessed.”
Nicole Tharp

Overcoming Adversity; Pursuing Opportunity: Nicole Tharp Strides Forward

Nicole Tharp, a Manufacturing Automation student at Truckee Meadows Community College, has received two scholarships from the SME Education Foundation, and credits that assistance as important in allowing her to focus on her studies.

Make An Impact

Your support will increase manufacturing and engineering education pathways for students who are facing financial hurdles, and increase race and gender parity in the industry. Your gift has the potential to change lives and the face of manufacturing.