SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Sept. 28, 2023 — SME, the nonprofit committed to accelerating new manufacturing technology adoption and building North America’s talent and capabilities, and its SME Education Foundation launched their new Bright Minds Student Mentorship Program this month, designed to help select Foundation scholarship recipients find qualified, approved mentors to help guide their manufacturing education and careers.
The new mentoring program, which runs annually from September through May, provides a structured environment to help Foundation scholarship recipients navigate college and student life, gain different perspectives on industry-related topics, expand their network, and ultimately launch a manufacturing career. Students are matched with qualified SME member mentors whose experience and expertise match the areas where they desire guidance.
“Our new mentoring program will help Foundation scholarship recipients begin their post-secondary education on solid ground with the guidance of an experienced manufacturing professional that can help them succeed in their education and get them on track toward a rewarding career in manufacturing,” said Rob Luce, vice president of the SME Education Foundation. “The students will have regular phone or virtual meetings with their mentors and SME during the school year for continuity and support.”
Sheronda Carr, Vice President, Membership for SME
According to Sheronda Carr, vice president, Membership for SME, the organization has been vigilant regarding the selection of potential mentors. Mentees deserve the best.
“Our potential mentors undergo a rigorous selection process that requires verification of their industry experience, civic involvement, volunteer activity in the manufacturing ecosystem and a full background check,” Carr said. “We expect mentors who apply to have a strong desire to elevate the manufacturing industry; we require them to meet a high standard of professionalism and decorum. The bar is set high because the stakes – our future generation of leaders – are so important.”
The SME Bright Minds Student Mentorship Program is open to students who are part of the SME Education Foundation Bright Minds Community of Scholars – a select group of Foundation scholarship recipients. In addition to the mentorship program, Bright Minds Scholars receive access to the following resources:
- Complimentary SME membership which offers access to career services, including career coaching, virtual job fairs, resume review, mock interviews, and other manufacturing career-endorsing opportunities.
- Complimentary access to courses from Tooling U-SME, SME’s workforce development division. Students will have access to courses that include design and engineering, electrical, machining, welding, Smart Manufacturing, composites processing, stamping, forming, fabricating, and many more.