Inspire, Prepare, and Support

2023 was a record year for the SME Education Foundation as Student Summits, SME PRIME and the Scholarship program delivered impressive results.

View 2023 Annual Report

Inspire Young Women on Engineering Day

The day is dedicated to giving young female students a unique opportunity to discover engineering careers alongside world-class scientists and engineers.

New Scholarship Honors Planned-Giving Wishes

The Foundation launched the Jerry L. Wickman Scholarship to support Latina students.

New Initiative Features Mentorship Program

The new Community of Scholars initiative matches scholarship awardees with professional SME members.

CTE Pathway to Success

Michigan SME PRIME® Student Gets a Career Head Start Through CTE Class and Apprenticeship Program

Students Connect with Manufacturers

Westmount students saw manufacturing technology in action at the CMTS SME Bright Minds Student Summit.

Preparing the Next Generation Workforce

Two million manufacturing jobs need to be filled by 2030. Bright Minds Student Summits are the response to this challenge.

Our Work In Action

We Inspire

Hosted alongside SME conferences and events, SME Bright Minds Student Summits showcase the high-tech nature of modern manufacturing and promote the industry as an exciting, growing, and lucrative career path to high school students and educators – delivering insightful programming that features guided show-floor tours, technology demonstrations, and keynote speakers. SME Bright Minds Student Summits provide a platform for manufacturers to engage with the next generation of talent.

Learn More about Bright Minds Student Summits

We Prepare

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, student scholarships, and funding for extra-curricular activities and program sustainability. SME PRIME is tailored to meet the needs of local manufacturers and is aligned with over 30 industry recognized certifications. SME PRIME is located in 110 schools across 23 states, serving 10,000 students, and 91% of SME PRIME seniors pursue manufacturing post-graduation.

Learn More about SME PRIME

We Support

The SME Education Foundation scholarship program awards millions of dollars to hundreds of graduating high school seniors and current college students across the country. With more than 60 distinct programs, the Foundation provides merit and need-based scholarships, issues renewing and one-time awards, and seeks applications from all eligible students, including but not limited to young women and other underrepresented communities. Since 2005, the Foundation has awarded 18 million to over 5,000 future industry leaders.

Learn More about Scholarships

Education Foundation News

March 1, 2024

New SME Education Foundation Community of Scholars Initiative Features Bright Minds Student Mentorship Program

Abraham “Abe” Francis of Sacramento, California, is one of the first SME Education Foundation scholarship recipients to benefit from the SME Bright Minds Student Mentorship Program.

February 22, 2024

How to Inspire Young Women on Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day

What does it mean to be an educator or role model? Someone who is looked up to by others, seen as a good example, or inspires positive change. A great time to introduce a mentee to a new career option would be during Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day on February 22nd.

February 1, 2024

Michigan SME PRIME® Student Gets a Career Head Start Through CTE Class and Apprenticeship Program

While Cohen McGee was growing up in Constantine, Michigan, he was known for his love of all things STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

View All Education Foundation News

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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.

Make an Impact

Your support provides a life-changing opportunity and will shape the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent. Please consider an investment in manufacturing’s future and explore various ways to give here.

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