SME PRIME®

In 2021, the MMA embarked on a partnership with the SME Education Foundation to expand the SME PRIME initiative in Michigan. PRIME — which stands for Partnership Response in Manufacturing Education — establishes cost-effective and tailored manufacturing and engineering programs in high schools.

The PRIME program provides — at no cost to participating schools — state-of-the-art equipment, curriculum, teacher professional development, manufacturing-relevant STEM-focused extracurricular activities and access to college scholarships for student completers. Learning pathways include additive manufacturing (aka 3D printing), CAD/CAM, precision metrology and quality, engineering, mechatronics and robotics, machining and fabrication, welding, industrial maintenance and materials science (a new PRIME pathway focused on electric vehicle fundamentals will soon be added in response to industry demand).

In short, PRIME brings “shop class” back to high schools in a high-tech way.

There are currently over 100 SME PRIME schools in 23 states. Michigan is home to 50 of those schools thanks to MMA’s lobbying efforts to get $6 million of state funding appropriated in the state budget.

Learn more about MMA’s partnership with the SME PRIME program in this Jan/Feb 2024 MiMfg Magazine article.