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.
Shor witnessed the globalization of manufacturing firsthand while working alongside his father at DuroBag Manufacturing before taking over the company in 1987. After the sale of DuroBag in 2014, Shor shifted his focus to philanthropy, driven by a deep sense of responsibility to give back.
“I feel a responsibility to help, to find ways to give back to the people and places that have been impactful in my life, as well as to society,” Shor says.
Manufacturing once offered a path to financial stability and well-paying, middle-class careers without the burden of student loans. Over the years, however, that opportunity has faded, and Shor is determined to help reverse the trend.
In 2002, Shor launched the Charles L. Shor Foundation, initially focusing on epilepsy research — a cause which he is very passionate about. Over time, he expanded the foundation’s mission to include education, scholarships, and workforce development through the “Blue Collar Dollar Institute,” which strengthens the manufacturing talent pipeline.
In early 2024, Gerry Otto, CEO of the Charles L. Shor Foundation, learned about the SME Education Foundation through the philanthropic consultant BoldyGo Philanthropy. After several discussions, the two organizations recognized their shared goals and formed a partnership.
“When the opportunity presented itself to partner with the Charles L. Shor Foundation team, we knew this partnership was a perfect fit. We truly appreciate their collaboration and generous support,” says Rob Luce, vice president of the SME Education Foundation.
After exploring the mission of the Charles L. Shor Foundation, it became clear that SME PRIME® (Partnership Response in Manufacturing Education) was the ideal place to begin making an impact. SME PRIME partners with local industry and schools to provide students with hands-on experience, cutting-edge equipment and industry-aligned training — preparing them for successful careers in manufacturing.
“We want to be more than grant makers; we want to be difference makers. SME PRIME is making a difference, and that’s where we want to invest,” says Otto.
“And [I want] to offer people the opportunities I had when I graduated,” Shor adds.
With support from the Charles L. Shor Foundation, two Kentucky schools — Ludlow High School and Holmes High School — have joined the SME PRIME network for the 2025-26 academic school year. Both schools are located near where DuroBag Manufacturing began, a place deeply tied to Shor’s roots.
Through SME PRIME, students at Ludlow and Holmes High Schools will gain access to advanced tools, precision measurement instruments, and a research-backed curriculum. Educators will receive professional development, and students will participate in industry-relevant experiences, including SkillsUSA.
“As someone who cares deeply for future generations, I am thrilled to support the expansion of SME PRIME,” says Shor.
Looking ahead, both Shor and Otto see this as just the beginning.
“This is a long-term relationship, a true partnership — and the work is just getting started,” says Otto.