SME Education Foundation Programs: Inspiring the Next Generation of Manufacturing Talent
The SME Education Foundation, as the philanthropic arm of SME, plays a crucial role in inspiring, preparing, and supporting 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.
Scholarships and Awards: Investing in Future Leaders
The SME Education Foundation offers 60+ scholarships and awards nearly $1 million each year. These scholarships provide a life-changing opportunity and will shape the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent. By submitting one application, students will be considered for every scholarship for which they are eligible. Scholarship applications are accepted annually from November 1 - February 1. To apply for the scholarship program, students must first create an account. By registering for an account, they’ll be able to apply for a scholarship as soon as the application process opens on November 1.
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.
High School students looking for scholarships for college can apply for over 30 scholarships from the SME Education Foundation. The SME Education Foundation scholarship application is open and accepting applications. Students can re-apply annually on November 1 for a chance to renew their scholarship.
Already in college or studying at a university? The Foundation has scholarships specifically for you. While Graduate Students typically rely on fellowship, the SME Education Foundation is proud to award scholarships for manufacturing students looking for an advanced degree.
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SME PRIME: Partnering Industry and Academia
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 45 industry recognized certifications.
SME Bright Minds Student Summits: Showcasing Modern Manufacturing
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.
Competitions: Fostering Innovation and Skills
The SME Education Foundation supports various competitions designed to foster innovation and skills in manufacturing and engineering. These competitions provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and creativity to real-world challenges.
Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM) Competition
This annual competition invites student designers to use their imagination to arrive at an innovative design, which exploits the geometric capabilities of direct digital manufacturing (DDM) to the fullest. Entries are welcome from college/university students and high school students; both categories are judged separately.
SkillsUSA Additive Manufacturing Competition
SME, in partnership with Stratasys, created the SkillsUSA Additive Manufacturing Competition to attract students to the new, exciting, emerging technologies and tools involved in this market.
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This bi-annual competition encourages students to be familiar with engineering design and ideation. Entries are welcome from students in high schools, community colleges/vocational institutes, or universities.
Student Research Presentation Contest at NAMRC
The annual North American Manufacturing Research Conference (NAMRC) hosts a Student Research Presentation Contest to recognize students' contributions to NAMRC.
FIRST Robotics: Building a Future Workforce
FIRST is a partnership among students, educators, mentors and industry working together to build a workforce suited to fill careers in high-tech fields and advanced manufacturing careers. SME professional chapters and members support FIRST Robotics team youth outreach at the local levels through chapter or member engagement.
Community Colleges: A Pathway to Manufacturing Careers
Community Colleges allow students to acquire the necessary skills and technical knowledge to directly enter the workforce upon graduation.
Joining SME: Access to Resources and Opportunities
It's incumbent on us to inform and inspire young people about their opportunities in this new era of advanced manufacturing - we're changing perceptions one student member at a time. Join SME and take advantage of all the resources we have to offer. We want to help you succeed in all areas of manufacturing. Join today to learn. engage. advance.
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