The SME Education Foundation leverages the nearly 90-year history and thought leadership of SME in manufacturing conference and trade show development, media production, training and workforce development, and its international membership to advance the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent.
Who We Are
We inspire, prepare and support the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent through our Student Summit event series, SME PRIME® initiative, and Student Scholarship program.
How We Do It
We Inspire
The SME Education Foundation inspires the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent through the Student Summit event series at SME conferences and trade shows across the country, delivering student-centric programming, hands-on challenges and competitions, technology demonstrations, and guided show floor tours.
We Prepare
The SME Education Foundation prepares manufacturing and engineering talent through the SME PRIME initiative by partnering with industry to inform and provide modern equipment, tailored curriculum, and hands-on training to high schools across the country.
We Support
The SME Education Foundation supports next-generation manufacturing and engineering talent annually by awarding $2 million in scholarships to high school seniors, undergraduates and post-graduate students pursuing trade school training or 2 or 4-year degrees in manufacturing or engineering.
Leadership Teams
Representing accomplishment and achievement in industry and academia, dedicated professionals from diverse backgrounds and experience support and further the mission of the SME Education Foundation.
History of SME Education Foundation
Created by SME in 1979, the SME Education Foundation has provided more than $33 million in grants, scholarships and awards and has supported student outreach and education programs through its partnerships with corporations, foundations, organizations and individual donors.