Career Pathways at Eastpointe High
Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, students at Eastpointe High School in Eastpointe, MI, will have the opportunity to gain access to real-world, cutting-edge training in advanced manufacturing through the SME PRIME® program. 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. SME PRIME equips high school students with the tools, training, and confidence to thrive in the evolving world of manufacturing, preparing them for high-tech, high-demand careers in modern industry. Career Pathways at Eastpointe High.
Public-Private Partnership
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.
“We appreciate the State of Michigan’s recognition that growing industry requires intentional investment in the talent-development infrastructure that supports it,” said Rob Luce, vice president of the SME Education Foundation. “By expanding SME PRIME, the state is ensuring that students gain hands-on, industry-aligned skills while helping communities like Eastpointe build a strong and sustainable manufacturing workforce.”
Located in the heart of Macomb County, home to one of the nation’s most significant defense manufacturing corridors, Eastpointe High School is strategically positioned to support Michigan’s growing defense and advanced manufacturing sectors and the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (m3) investments at nearby Macomb Community College. This expansion represents the next phase of a strategic effort aimed at preparing the next generation of skilled talent essential to America’s defense manufacturing base.
Skills and Technologies
Through SME PRIME, students will gain early exposure to the skills and technologies that drive national defense, ensuring a strong pipeline of talent ready to support Michigan’s critical industries. By aligning education with industry and building talent pipelines where students live and learn, SME is investing in their futures—and in the strength of both the region’s economy and the nation’s security and manufacturing base.
SME PRIME (Partnership Response in Manufacturing Education), guided by input from regional employers, creates customized manufacturing and engineering programs in high schools nationwide. The program provides essential resources such as modern equipment, 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 45 industry-recognized credentials and certifications. Currently, the program operates in 118 schools across 25 states, serving more than 14,000 students nationwide, with 91% of seniors pursuing manufacturing, engineering, or technical careers after graduation.
“Launching the SME PRIME program at Eastpointe High School is a major step forward for our students and our community. This partnership ensures our students gain access to the skills, technologies, and real-world experiences that today’s manufacturing careers demand.” Said Christina Gibson, Superintended of Eastpointe Schools, “We are proud to help prepare the next generation of talent that will support Michigan’s advanced manufacturing and defense sectors for years to come.”
Robust Learning Experience
SME PRIME provides a robust learning experience based on local workforce needs. The program at Eastpointe High School will be developed in collaboration with regional industry partners to determine focus areas that best align with local manufacturing and engineering opportunities. Specific program tracks will be identified following further research and community input to ensure they reflect the skills most in demand within the area.
With approximately 414,000 of manufacturing jobs currently unfilled in the U.S., a number expected to reach nearly 1.9 million by 2034. SME PRIME is helping bridge the gap between education and opportunity.
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.
About the SME Education Foundation
As the philanthropic arm of SME, the SME Education Foundation inspires, prepares, and supports 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. We continue to inspire, prepare, and support the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent – now as many as 12,000 students every year. Visit smeef.org and follow the SME Education Foundation on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
About SME
Established in 1932 as a nonprofit organization, SME represents the entire North American manufacturing industry, including manufacturers, academia, professionals, students, and the communities in which they operate. We believe manufacturing holds the key to economic growth and prosperity, and champion the industry’s potential as a diverse, thriving, and valued ecosystem. SME accelerates new technology adoption and builds North America’s talent and capabilities to advance manufacturing and drive competitiveness, resiliency, and national security. SME designs new ways to understand and solve problems, and our solutions advance the next wave of growth in manufacturing. Learn more at SME.org.
Source: Career Pathways at Eastpointe High