SME PRIME

Sometimes industries and schools don’t speak the same language, but SME PRIME has built a team that can translate, with great liaisons between schools and industry.”
– High School Educator

Program Offerings

Directly Enhancing Manufacturing and Engineering Talent Across the Country

SME PRIME^®(Partnership Response In Manufacturing Education) is the signature program of the SME Education Foundation. Founded in 2011, SME PRIME partners private industry with academia to build custom manufacturing and engineering programs in high schools across the country — providing equipment, curriculum, teacher training and student scholarships along with funding for manufacturing-related extracurricular activities and program sustainability.

SME PRIME is the most comprehensive manufacturing and engineering program for high school students in the country.

What makes us different?

SME PRIME is provided at no cost to high schools
Curriculum is tailored to meet local manufacturers’ needs and aligned with state educational standards
Foundation staff coordinate program development and alleviate administrative burdens
Ongoing financial support provided to sustain program longevity

SME PRIME Impact

110

Schools in 23 states

10,000

Students served annually

91%

Of PRIME seniors choose manufacturing/ engineering post-grad.

Preparing the Next Generation Workforce

Two million manufacturing jobs need to be filled by 2030. SME PRIME is the response to this challenge.

Program Offerings

All PRIME deliverables are free to the schools allowing for hands-on training in high schools across the country, supplemented with a tailored curriculum and influenced by local manufacturers in their communities.

More Information

Recent PRIME Stories

February 1, 2024

Michigan SME PRIME® Student Gets a Career Head Start Through CTE Class and Apprenticeship Program

While Cohen McGee was growing up in Constantine, Michigan, he was known for his love of all things STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

October 1, 2023

Troy High School Launches Hands-On Machining and Fabrication Program With Help of SME PRIME

By providing an extensive package of manufacturing- and engineering-related educational resources, the SME PRIME (Partnership Response in Manufacturing Education) program has enabled Troy High School to bring a near-decade-long conversation about expanding the school’s career and technical education (CTE) offerings to fruition this year.

May 8, 2023

Edwardsburg PRIME high school students learn manufacturing skills

Filling manufacturing jobs is a growing challenge across the country. Nearly 2.5 million manufacturing jobs will go unfilled in the United States by 2030. Launched in May 2023, the Edwardsburg PRIME program is an important step to help strengthen the Southwest Michigan labor force and fill future manufacturing positions.

View All PRIME Stories

Connect with the SME Education Foundation

Stay up-to-date on what's happening with the foundation, the PRIME Program, upcoming student summits, scholarship opportunities and more.

Recent PRIME Announcements

April 18, 2024

SME Education Foundation Expands Manufacturing and Engineering Opportunities to 15K Additional Michigan Students

More Michigan students will have access to new advanced manufacturing technology and training through the SME Education Foundation’s SME PRIME® program, due to an expansion of the public-private partnership between the Foundation and the State of Michigan to bolster the state’s manufacturing talent pipeline.

December 11, 2023

Students at West Ottawa High School Gain Skills for Manufacturing Careers through SME PRIME®

Since the beginning of the 2022-2023 academic year, the SME Education Foundation has made it possible for students at West Ottawa High School to have access to new manufacturing education resources through its SME PRIME® program.

December 5, 2023

Students at Bay City Western High School Gain Skills for Manufacturing Careers through SME PRIME®

Since the beginning of the 2022-2023 academic year, the SME Education Foundation has made it possible for students at Bay City Western High School to have access to new manufacturing education resources through its SME PRIME® program.

View All PRIME Announcements

SME Education Foundation PRIME Donors

We work with leading corporations, philanthropic organizations and educational institutions to inspire, prepare and support the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent. SME PRIME investors and partners inform purchases of modern equipment, tailored curriculum, and hands-on training for high schools across the country.