The Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD)’s SME PRIME initiative has focused on increasing the involvement of women in the technology program by hosting a number of female students at their manufacturing, engineering and welding summer camp.
An SME PRIME school investor, the Honda of America Manufacturing operation in Anna, Ohio (producing engines since 1985), works with nearby Anna High School in a partnership forged through the SME Education Foundation.
In the first phase of a new partnership between the Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) and the SME PRIME (Partnership Response In Manufacturing Education) initiative, the ISD will receive new manufacturing equipment while instructors at seven high schools receive virtual and on-site professional development.
In 2021, we awarded 306 students across the country, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $40,000.
SME Education Foundation’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategy is designed to fully integrate diversity and equity opportunities in every program, effort and initiative undertaken by the foundation over the next five years.
Valerie Freeman, a manufacturing and robotics pathway teacher at Park High School, will join the SME Education Foundation Board of Directors in 2021. Park High School in Racine Unified School District joined the SME PRIME school network in 2017. Freeman was instrumental in utilizing SME PRIME to install new curriculum, training to teach students important skills like how to program a robotic arm and remodeling the classroom for a more effective learning environment.
The number of SME PRIME high schools is set to double after the SME Education Foundation received a $6 million donation from the State of Michigan’s approved Education Budget. The legislation was crafted with bipartisan support from the Michigan Legislature, including Foundation board member and state representative Joe Tate (D-Detroit).
Bay City Western’s marching band performs at halftime during a high school football game against Traverse City West on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
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.
Rob Luce, SME Education Foundation vice president: “SME PRIME schools are central to our commitment of inspiring, preparing and supporting young people,”