(SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Nov. 24, 2025) – The SME Education Foundation proudly announced the winning teams of the Bright Minds Student Summit held during the Manufacturing Technology Series (MT Series) SOUTHEAST, October 21–23 in Greenville, South Carolina.
Hosted in conjunction with SME’s industry-leading events, Bright Minds Student Summits highlight the advanced, high-tech world of modern manufacturing—introducing students and educators to cutting-edge innovations and showcasing manufacturing as an exciting, growing, and rewarding career path.
Over two days, students participated in interactive programming featuring guided show-floor tours, technology demonstrations, and speaker sessions connecting classroom learning to real-world applications. The experience culminated in a gamified team challenge that encouraged students to collaborate, problem-solve, and apply what they learned from the exhibits and presentations. Teams earned points through engagement and creativity, with top performers recognized for exceptional innovation and teamwork. Each student on the winning teams received an Ender 3D printer, totaling nine printers awarded across the event.
“The Bright Minds Student Summit gives students more than just an introduction to manufacturing, it gives them direction,” said Rob Luce, vice president of the SME Education Foundation. “By connecting young people with real technologies and professionals, we’re helping them see how their interests can evolve into meaningful, high-impact careers.”
The 2025 MT Series SOUTHEAST winning schools:
• Anderson 1 and 2 Career and Technology Center Greenville, SC
• Berea High School, Williamston, SC
Additional schools:
- Daneil Morgan Technology Center, Spartanburg, SC
- Fountain Inn High School, Fountain Inn, SC
- Greer High School, Greer, SC
- Hopewell High School, Huntersville, NC
- Pickens County Career & Technology Center, Liberty, SC
- Smyth Career & Technology Center, Marion, VA
The Bright Minds Student Summit at MT Series SOUTHEAST welcomed nearly 150 students and 35 educators from 8 South Carolina schools, giving participants hands-on experience with 3D printing, automation, machining and fabrication, welding, and other advanced technologies used across industries such as automotive, aerospace and defense. Students gained valuable insight into how modern manufacturing operates and how their skills and interests align with in-demand career opportunities.
MT Series Southeast is an event dedicated to uniting people and advanced manufacturing while connecting decision-makers from diverse industries with leading suppliers of manufacturing technology, equipment, and tooling, and creating opportunities for the next generation of talent. Throughout the event, participants engaged with 53 student-friendly exhibitors, learning from professionals who are shaping the future of manufacturing. These direct industry interactions help students understand the range of opportunities available and help employers identify and inspire future talent.
Bright Minds Student Summits serve as a launchpad for emerging talent—sparking curiosity, building confidence and equipping students with the inspiration and resources to pursue careers in manufacturing. The events also provide manufacturers a powerful platform to connect with and invest in the next generation of skilled professionals who will drive innovation and growth across the industry.
“Taking part in the Bright Minds Student Summit was an incredible experience for our students,” said Delilah Goode, a Global Career Development/Work-Based Learning Specialist at The Daniel Morgan Technology Center. “Connecting with exhibitors who could translate advanced technologies into student-friendly terms gave them a firsthand look at how additive manufacturing is transforming modern industry. It fueled curiosity, built confidence, and showed them that careers in advanced manufacturing aren’t just possible, they’re exciting and attainable. Opportunities like this truly make a lasting impact.”
“The Bright Minds Student Summit offered our students an experience they simply can’t get in the classroom,” said Chris Desmond, a teacher at Hopewell High School. “Exploring cutting-edge technologies and engaging directly with industry professionals broadened their perspectives and introduced them to career paths they hadn’t imagined before. Events like this turn classroom lessons into tangible inspiration—and that’s a powerful thing for young learners.”
To learn more about Bright Minds Student Summits and other SME Education Foundation initiatives, visit SME Education Foundationhttps://www.smeef.org/about-smeef/blog/igniting-the-future-of-manufacturing-bright-minds-student-summit-returns-to-rapid--tct/.
About the SME Education Foundation
As the philanthropic arm of SME, the SME Education Foundation inspires, prepares, and supports the next generation of manufacturing 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. We continue to inspire, prepare, and support the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent – now as many as 14,000 students every year. Visit smeef.org and follow the SME Education Foundation on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
About SME
Established in 1932 as a nonprofit organization, SME represents the entire North American manufacturing industry, including manufacturers, academia, professionals, students, and the communities in which they operate. We believe manufacturing holds the key to economic growth and prosperity, and champion the industry's potential as a diverse, thriving, and valued ecosystem. SME accelerates new technology adoption and builds North America’s talent and capabilities to advance manufacturing and drive competitiveness, resiliency, and national security. SME designs new ways to understand and solve problems, and our solutions advance the next wave of growth in manufacturing. Learn more at SME.org.