Rob Luce, SME Education Foundation vice president: “SME PRIME schools are central to our commitment of inspiring, preparing and supporting young people,”
The SME Education Foundation will receive $6 million from the state of Michigan as part of the approved School Aid Fund Budget (PA 48 of 2021) crafted with bipartisan support from the Michigan Legislature. The award will double the number of schools participating in the unique manufacturer/educator partnership-driven SME PRIME initiative, which offers education and career-readiness opportunities to high school students.
89% of SME PRIME schools students enter the manufacturing workforce, apprenticeships or pursue continued education.
Scholarships range from $1,000 to $40,000 and can be used for tuition, books or lab/course fees.
Our scholarship application process for 2022-23 is now open. If you are an engineering professional or educator with a STEM background, please consider volunteering to serve as a scholarship application reviewer for our online review process.
A grant from the SME Education Foundation’s PRIME initiative helped Capital High School — located in Helena, Montana — purchase a new CNC plasma cutter and ironworker for the school's machining, welding and mechanical engineering programs.
Financial support has been awarded to seven schools exemplifying achievement in preparing young people for careers and continued education in advanced manufacturing through the SME PRIME initiative.