SME Expands PRIME Education Program to Troy (Mich.) High School

SME joined state and federal government officials at Troy (Mich.) High School today to launch the school’s PRIME Education Program. Attendees included United States Congresswoman Haley Stevens and Michigan House of Representatives Speaker Joseph Tate.

“I couldn't be more proud to see how much Manufacturing Day has grown, and the SME PRIME program completely matches what the Manufacturing Day is all about,” Stevens says. “I’m talking about this and championing it in the United States congress.”

The SME Partnership Response in Manufacturing Education (PRIME) builds tailored manufacturing/engineering programs in high schools across the country, providing equipment, curriculum, professional development, scholarships and STEM-focused extracurricular activities to students and teachers.  PRIME schools reach nearly 100 communities across dozens of states, where each high school is supported and informed by local manufacturers. PRIME classes began at Troy High School at the start of the 2023-24 school year.

“The SME PRIME programs give kids the opportunity to experience manufacturing at its base level, expose them to new high technology and giving them exposure early in their career paths to encourage engagement in stem programs that will ultimately help propel them to new levels of opportunities,” says Robert Willig, SME’s executive director and CEO. 

SME Education Foundation (SMEEF) Vice President Rob Luce announced an expansion of its public/private partnership with the State of Michigan at the event. This will further scale the SME PRIME program, adding 16 PRIME high schools across the state in 2024. This brings the total number of Michigan-based PRIME schools to 49.

“I think it's important for our society, and in particular, Michigan,” Tate says. “Our manufacturing heritage is so important to us here. We put the world on wheels. We've provided new technologies that are used across the globe and continuing to equip our students, our young people here in this state, to be able to continue that that heritage is incredibly important.”