The SME Education Foundation has recognized SME PRIME schools who excel at providing opportunity to students through their STEM/CTE efforts. The Foundation has awarded additional sustaining financial support to seven schools exemplifying achievement in preparing young people for careers and continued education in advanced manufacturing through the SME PRIME initiative.
The SME Education Foundation board voted to earmark $1 million to sustain the CTE efforts of SME PRIME schools even after those schools are fully equipped and developed with previous Foundation funds. 2021 marks the first year of the sustainability grant program.
Through the Foundation’s Partnership Response In Manufacturing Education (PRIME) initiative, schools are provided a curriculum tailored to give students hands-on training on modern, industry-standard equipment and allows them to explore futures in manufacturing, engineering and STEM-related careers. Since 2011, SME PRIME schools have been initiated in 63 communities across 22 states, creating opportunities thousands of students.
“Our SME PRIME schools are a model; a unique approach to STEM education and career preparation implemented by scores of schools across the nation in partnership with manufacturers in their communities,” said SME Education Foundation Vice President Rob Luce. “Our board made possible this continued financial support for those schools with exemplary performance toward our shared goal: inspiring and preparing students.”
Coordinated by highly qualified Foundation education program managers, SME PRIME also encompasses professional development for instructors, summer and extracurricular STEM opportunities for students, and increased scholarship eligibility and access.
Schools receiving SME PRIME sustainability awards were:
Barberton High School, Barberton, Ohio
Central Columbia High School, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
Grand Haven High School, Grand Haven, Michigan
Washington Park High School, Racine, Wisconsin
Romeo High School, Romeo, Michigan
Wadsworth High School, Wadsworth, Ohio
Whitehall High School, Whitehall, Michigan
“American manufacturing needs ambitious, creative, and prepared young people ready to take their place in advanced manufacturing,” said Luce. “We’re pleased to continue support for those educators contributing to expanding career opportunity for students.”