SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Feb. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Academies
of Racine at Horlick High School, part of the Racine Unified School
District, has partnered with the SME Education Foundation to make
manufacturing and engineering education and career opportunities
available for students via the Foundation's Partnership Response In
Manufacturing Education (PRIME) schools initiative.
Made possible through funding from Haribo of America and the
Racine Community Foundation, Horlick High School students now have
new opportunities to explore career preparation and growth.
SME PRIME schools directly address the manufacturing and
engineering talent shortage by partnering with industry to provide
modern equipment, a tailored curriculum and hands-on training to
high schools across the country. SME PRIME students learn about
manufacturing and engineering technology and processes through an
industry-informed curriculum tailored to meet the needs of local
industry.
"This partnership provides industry-relevant education and
training to the Academies of Racine at Horlick Pathways in
Manufacturing and STEM for our students," said Alex DeBaker, executive director of Academies
for the Racine Unified School District. "Our collaboratively
designed curriculum enables students to have a unique opportunity
to explore manufacturing, engineering and STEM, expanding their
career opportunities after graduation."
The SME PRIME program works with local manufacturers to develop
and access a pool of skilled local talent who have been trained —
and often certified — to fill specific roles at their respective
companies, providing a direct community benefit.
"SME PRIME schools are central to our commitment to inspiring,
preparing and supporting young people," said Rob Luce, SME Education Foundation vice
president. "Our partnership with Horlick High School is an
achievement, and we're proud to join with Haribo and the Racine
Community Foundation to welcome these committed educators to our
national team."
Horlick High School joins the other Academies of Racine high
schools, Park and Case, in implementation of the SME PRIME program.
Case High School initiated implementation in 2019 through funding
from Putzmeister; Plastic Parts Inc.; Butterbuds; JC Styberg; Twin
Disc; Racine Community Foundation; SC Johnson; and the Green Bay
Packer Foundation.
"This initiative to interest and educate young people in a STEM
foundation and skills are critically important in developing future
achievers in our communities," said Valerie
Freeman, robotics pathways teacher at Park High School and a
member of the SME Education Foundation board. "We're committed to
providing instruction and guidance to all students. With support
from the community, manufacturers and the Foundation, these
students have a unique and expansive opportunity."
Since 2011, SME PRIME schools have been initiated in 62
communities across 23 states, creating opportunities for more than
100,000 students. In 2019 and 2020 alone, the SME Education
Foundation partnered with 14 new schools to create custom programs
through partnerships with private industry.
Located in southeastern Wisconsin, the Racine Unified School District
is the fifth-largest school district in the state, serving nearly
17,000 students.
About the SME Education Foundation
As the philanthropic arm of SME, an internationally recognized
nonprofit organization serving the manufacturing industry, the SME
Education Foundation inspires, prepares and supports the next
generation of manufacturing and engineering talent. The
Foundation leverages the 90-year history and thought leadership of
SME in the manufacturing and engineering industry to provide
curated experiences for thousands of high school students at SME
conferences and tradeshows and builds hands-on manufacturing
programs in high schools across the country. The Foundation also
awards millions of dollars in scholarships every year to graduating
high school seniors and both undergraduate and graduate
students. Through its SME PRIME program, the Foundation has
reached over 100,000 students in 62 schools across 23
states. All Foundation activities are designed to empower
young people to pursue careers in manufacturing and
engineering.
Visit the SME Education Foundation at
smeeducationfoundation.org. Follow @mfgeducation on Twitter or
facebook.com/SME.Education.Foundation.
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SOURCE SME Education Foundation