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

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

93

Schools in 23 states

9,000

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

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.

February 7, 2023

SME Education Foundation Displays Manufacturing Education Program at Hancock High School

Students across the state have new opportunities to learn some very important, and applicable skills for careers, in science, technology, engineering and manufacturing.

View All PRIME Stories

Recent PRIME Announcements

Press Release

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

November 30, 2023

SME Education Foundation Awards Sustainability Funds to SME PRIME® Schools

Over 30 SME PRIME® schools received financial awards from the SME Education Foundation to sustain their manufacturing and engineering programs this year.

October 27, 2023

East Jackson High School Students Learn Skills for Manufacturing Careers in SME PRIME Program

East Jackson, Mich. Oct. 27, 2023 - Since the beginning of the 2022-23 academic year, the SME Education Foundation has made it possible for students at East Jackson Secondary School in Michigan to have access to new manufacturing education resources through the SME Education Foundation.

View All PRIME Announcements

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.

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.