Southfield, Mich., Aug. 11, 2025 – Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, students at Paw Paw High School in Paw Paw, Michigan, will have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge training in advanced manufacturing through SME PRIME®. SME PRIME is the signature program of the SME Education Foundation, the philanthropic arm of SME, the nonprofit association committed to building and expanding North America's talent and capabilities and accelerating advanced manufacturing technologies.

This expansion is part of a public-private partnership between the SME Education Foundation and the State of Michigan aimed at strengthening the state’s manufacturing talent pipeline by creating hands-on, industry-aligned learning opportunities in high schools across the state.

“SME PRIME paves the way for students to gain real-world, in-demand skills that lead to rewarding careers in Michigan’s growing advanced manufacturing industry,” said Rob Luce, vice president of the SME Education Foundation. “We’re proud to partner with local educators and manufacturers to close the skills gap and build a more resilient workforce. We’re also grateful to the State of Michigan for its trust and support in helping to inspire, prepare, and support the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent.”

SME PRIME (Partnership Response in Manufacturing Education), guided by input from private industry, creates customized manufacturing and engineering programs in high schools nationwide. The program provides essential resources such as equipment, curriculum, teacher training, student scholarships, funding for extracurricular activities, and support for long-term program sustainability. Tailored to meet the needs of local manufacturers, SME PRIME aligns with 40 industry-recognized credentials and certifications. Currently, SME PRIME operates in 118 schools across 25 states, benefiting 12,000 students, with 91% of seniors pursuing manufacturing careers after graduation.

“We are incredibly excited to bring the SME PRIME program to Paw Paw High School,” said Jeremy Davison, superintendent of Paw Paw Public Schools. “This partnership not only reflects our core values of innovation and success, but it will also provide our students with hands-on experience, access to cutting-edge technology, and real-world skills that align with the needs of our local manufacturing industry. It’s a major step forward in preparing our students for meaningful careers and supporting the long-term economic vitality of our community.”

SME PRIME provides a robust learning experience based on local workforce demands. The program at Paw Paw High School will focus on Machining and Fabrication, Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing, Metrology and Quality, and Additive Manufacturing. With approximately 414,000 manufacturing jobs currently unfilled in the U.S., a number projected to rise to 1.9 million by 2034. SME PRIME helps meet this urgent demand by providing students with the skills and training needed to succeed.

The SME Education Foundation remains committed to expanding these transformative educational opportunities, creating pathways for students to excel in the ever-growing field of manufacturing. For additional information about SME PRIME, please visit the SME Education Foundation.