As the philanthropic arm of SME, the SME Education Foundation inspires, prepares, and supports the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent. Established in 1979, the Foundation works to expose youth to modern manufacturing technologies, train students on relevant manufacturing processes, and award millions of dollars in scholarships annually. All Foundation programming seeks to empower youth to consider and pursue careers in manufacturing and engineering and increase engagement with historically underrepresented populations to help diversify the manufacturing industry. We continue to inspire, prepare and support the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent – now as many as 10,000 students every year.
3
Distinct Programs
12,000
Students Served
$20M
Distributed Since 2019
Preparing the Next Generation Workforce
Two million manufacturing jobs need to be filled by 2030. SME Education Foundation is the response to this challenge.
Our Programs 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.
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.
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.
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.
Recent Program Stories
Classmates Achieve College Dreams With Matching SME Education Foundation Scholarships
Jasmine Brown and Samantha Hiller, 18-year-olds from Lake Wales, Florida, are studying machining and engineering at Polk State College in Winter Haven with the help of the SME Education Foundation's Dr. Irving P. McPhail Endowed Scholarship, which they were awarded for the 2024-25 school year. In addition to receiving scholarships, both students took advantage of the SME Bright Minds Mentorship Program, which pairs SME Education Foundation Scholarship winners up with SME mentors.
SME Education Foundation Awards Record Number of Sustainability Awards to SME PRIME Schools
43 schools receive sustainability awards, 16 schools for first time
Celebrating Manufacturing Day 2024: Empowering the Next Generation of Manufacturing Talent
Did you know there’s a day dedicated to showcasing modern manufacturing to the public, students, and parents? National Manufacturing (MFG) Day not only aims to inspire interest in manufacturing but also to highlight that these careers are high-tech and innovative.
2023 was a record year for the SME Education Foundation as Bright Minds Student Summits, SME PRIME, and the Scholarship program delivered impressive results.
Recent Program Announcements
SME Education Foundation Establishes Ford Philanthropy Blue Oval City Scholarship Fund to Boost Students Pursuing Manufacturing Education in West Tennessee
The SME Education Foundation announced the Ford Philanthropy Blue Oval City Scholarship today, made possible by a generous grant from Ford Philanthropy.
Ludlow High School to Receive State of the Art Manufacturing Program with SME PRIME®
The First SME PRIME Program Supported by the Charles L. Shor Foundation
Students at Frankenmuth High School Gain Skills for Manufacturing Careers through SME PRIME®
Since the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year, the SME Education Foundation has empowered students at Frankenmuth High School with cutting-edge training in advanced manufacturing through its SME PRIME® program.
Make A Donation
Help us Inspire, Prepare and Support the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent. We have many donations opportunities for you get involved and make a difference.