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SME Education Foundation About Who We Are

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. 

Why is Manufacturing Education Important?

We understand that manufacturing is key to economic growth and prosperity and that a manufacturing talent shortage and skills gap threatens both. Without a spirited, highly skilled workforce, manufacturing – and the global population who rely upon it – will suffer.

 

Inspire

Inspire

Showcasing student-centric programming at SME events 

 

Prepare

Prepare

Introducing a tailored curriculum in high schools across the country

 

support

Support

Providing annual scholarship opportunities to students in high school and college

 

New Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative

The SME Education Foundation announced a renewed and focused commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion with the creation of a new scholarship fund for underrepresented young people and enhanced focus on offering opportunities to underrepresented and disadvantaged communities throughout the SME PRIME network.
Learn More
Our Work in Action History Leadership

We are Leaders in Manufacturing Education

The SME Education Foundation is the leading voice in manufacturing education. As the philanthropic arm of SME, we continue to significantly impact students, educators and companies nationwide.

Help us shape the future of the manufacturing workforce. There are many opportunities to get involved. Join us at a Student Summit, get involved with the PRIME Program, or learn about our many scholarship opportunities. 

Inspire

Student Summits

We help inspire the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent is through our Student Summit Series at SME events across the country featuring student-centric programming, hands-on challenges and competitions, technology demonstrations, and more.

Learn About Summits

SME Prime

PRIME Program

We help prepare the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent by partnering with companies from all kinds of manufacturing industries to inform and provide modern equipment, tailored curriculum, and hands-on training to high schools across the country.

Learn About PRIME

scholarhips

Scholarships

We support the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent by awarding scholarships to high school seniors, undergraduates and graduate students with degrees in manufacturing or engineering every year.

 

Learn About Scholarships

 

donate

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.
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past-presidents-cta-full-width.jpgFounded 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 as well as individual donors.

The SME Education Foundation draws upon SME's almost 90-year history and thought leadership in manufacturing-focused conference and events, media production, and training and workforce development - as well as its international membership - to attract and develop a skilled manufacturing workforce. 

Learn More about our History

 

 Foundation Staff Board of Directors Past Presidents

 

Joe Kann

Joseph A. "Joe" Kann
Cobble Creek Solutions
President

Frank Ervin

Frank W. Ervin III
Piston Group LLC
Vice President

John Miller

John F. Miller
Siemens Digital Industries Software
Secretary/ Treasurer

Adam Claytor

Adam Claytor
Coltrane Logistics
Director

 

Valerie Freeman

Valerie I. Freeman
Washington Park High School
Director

Wayne Frost

Wayne F. Frost, LSME, CMfgE
Deer & Co. (retired)
Director

Andrew Jones

Andrew M. "Andy" Jones
Seizert Capital Partners
Director

Robby Komljenovic

Robby Komljenovic
Acieta
Director

 

Arthur McClellan Jr.

Arthur F. McClellan Jr.
Valeo
Director

Chris Rake

Chris Rake
FIRST
Director

Kyle Riegel

Kyle Riegel
Schunk Carbon Technology
Director

Joe Tate

Joseph A. "Joe" Tate
Michigan House of Representatives
Director

 

Marion Wells

Marion Wells
Human Asset Management
Director

Meghan West

Meghan West
CNC Software Inc.
Director

Learn More About the Board of Directors

The SME Education Foundation has benefited from direction and oversight from experienced, committed leadership. The advocacy, direction and ability of our Presidents has built awareness and enhanced academic opportunities for students at every level; we are grateful for their service.

 

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Irving P. McPhail, EdD
2020

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Kathy Burnham
2016 - 2019

 
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Brian A. Ruestow
2013 - 2016

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Khalil S. Taraman*
2009 - 2011

 
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Glen H. Pearson
2007 - 2008 & 2012 - 2013

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Sherril K. West
2004 - 2006

 

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Saul K. Fenster
2003

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Raymond G. Adams
2000 - 2002

 

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Eugene M. Nelson
1998-1999

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Earl E. Walker*
1994 - 1997

 

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Frank J. Riley
1992 - 1993

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Reginald W. Barrett*
1988 - 1991

 

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Philip R. Marsilius
1984 - 1988

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Ralph E. Cross
1980 - 1984

 

* deceased
annual report

2019 Annual Report

The SME Education Foundation celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2019, capping off four decades of giving to educational initiatives and STEM-related programming across the country. Today, the mission of the Foundation is as relevant as it was in 1979 -- perhaps more so. Last year saw tremendous growth and achievement, and we’re pleased to share our 2019 Annual Report with you.
View the Report
History of SME Education Foundation

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