SME Education Foundation

SME Bright Minds Student Summits bring high school students face-to-face with the professionals shaping the future of manufacturing. At the RAPID + TCT Event, Lincoln Electric and Airgas opened their booths to students exploring what's possible.

"Participating as a student-friendly exhibitor granted us the opportunity to help students understand current career opportunities, and see our innovations in science and technology in real time." – René Cooper, Airgas

Read the full story and learn how your company can help shape the next generation of manufacturing leaders.

👉 https://brnw.ch/21x32wJ

SME PRIME students at Davison High School in Davison, Michigan, are building the skills and experience needed for successful futures in manufacturing.

With curriculum aligned to more than 45 industry-recognized credentials, and more than 15,000 credentials earned through SME PRIME since 2022, students are gaining valuable opportunities that prepare them for rewarding careers.

What does a year of impact look like?

🚀 1,000 students at Bright Minds Student Summits
🏫 11 new schools in the SME PRIME network
🎓 139 scholarships awarded

For the SME Education Foundation, 2025 was a year of momentum, powered by supporters, educators, and students ready to build something.

These aren't just milestones. They're real students discovering real career paths in manufacturing. And it's just the beginning.
Read the full 2025 Impact Report and see the stories behind the numbers.

https://brnw.ch/21x2dR4

High school students don’t usually get real-world experience like this.

Working with customers. Managing projects. Solving real problems. With SME PRIME, they do.

By bringing project-based learning into the classroom, SME PRIME connects students directly with industry, giving them hands-on experience that goes far beyond textbooks.

From designing keyboard covers for students with special needs to producing Teacher Appreciation Day gifts, these students aren’t just learning, they’re creating, collaborating, and making an impact.

As SME PRIME educator Christopher Desmond puts it:
“We do some more traditional lessons, but the project-based part is where everything comes to life.”

👉 https://brnw.ch/21x28EG

The next generation of manufacturers is taking shape in Ludlow, Kentucky.

We're thrilled to celebrate the SME PRIME program at Ludlow Independent Schools, a milestone made possible by the generous support of the Charles L. Shor Foundation.

Through advanced technology and custom-built curriculum, Ludlow students now have the tools and inspiration to explore careers in manufacturing, right in their own school.

The celebration brought together an incredible group. Congressman Warren Davidson, students and educators from Ludlow High School, and local manufacturing industry leaders were in attendance. All united around one goal, investing in the future of American manufacturing.

This is what it looks like when a community comes together to open doors for the next generation.

The final day of the Bright Minds Student Summit at RAPID + TCT Event ended on a high note!

A total of 129 joined us to explore the exciting world of additive manufacturing, diving into hands-on demos, engaging with industry leaders, and experiencing the latest up close. By the end of the day, students walked away inspired, energized, and ready to take their next steps in .

Thank you to the and student-friendly exhibitors who made this experience possible, and to the students who brought curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm to every moment.

Learn more about the Bright Minds Student Summit program at https://brnw.ch/21x1GXG

Day 1 at the Bright Minds Student Summit at RAPID + TCT Event was electric!

Students dove into cutting-edge , explored bold new ideas, and even competed for a printer. The energy, curiosity, and creativity were inspiring, can’t wait to see what day 2 brings!

A strong foundation in math set Carlos Aleixo Domingues on a path toward something bigger. Today, he’s pursuing a career in with the support of an SME Education Foundation .

With the financial burden eased, Carlos can stay focused on building the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in and beyond.

Check out his story https://brnw.ch/21x1hwx

The SME Education Foundation is proud to welcome Daniel Morgan Technology Center to the SME PRIME network!

Through this advanced manufacturing program, students will gain access to hands-on training, industry-aligned curriculum and real-world technologies that prepare them for in-demand careers in modern manufacturing.

Together with educators and industry partners, we’re expanding career pathways and helping build the next generation of manufacturing talent.

🔗Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x0MiP

Making Waves in Career-Tech Education

Earlier this year, Trent Trout, computer-integrated manufacturing instructor and SME PRIME educator at Saline High School was named the MI ACTE Teacher of the Year, recognizing his outstanding impact in career and technical education.

This award celebrates educators who go above and beyond to shape student success, build real-world skills, and inspire the next generation of skilled professionals — and Trent is doing exactly that.

Read how his dedication, innovation, and hands-on approach are transforming opportunities for students.

👉 https://brnw.ch/21x0qzJ