(DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 15, 2014) – The SME Education Foundation’s Partnership Response In Manufacturing Education (PRIME) initiative is pleased to announce it has selected six new high schools to participate in its program, including Tri-Rivers Career Center/RAMTEC.  PRIME creates connections between manufacturing high school students, educators and the industry to grow and train the next-generation workforce — all while driving interest and awareness in manufacturing.

“In just a few years, the PRIME model and network has proven its value and success,” said Josh Cramer, senior educational program officer, SME Education Foundation. “To date, roughly three-quarters of PRIME graduates enter the manufacturing field or pursue manufacturing or STEM-related postsecondary education and training. This validates the belief that engaging high school students and providing them with hands-on access to manufacturing curriculum and tools can drive interest in pursuing degrees to support the industry.”

Launched in 2011, the PRIME approach provides the opportunity for students, teachers and schools to have access to real-life manufacturing education and tools, as well as engage with manufacturing companies in the local community. The newly selected schools will begin the PRIME program for the 2015-16 school year.

Along with Tri-Rivers, these  are the new PRIME schools:

• Capital High School, Helena, Montana.
• Jeffersontown High School, Louisville, Kentucky.
• John Glenn High School, Norwalk, California.
• Middleton High School, Tampa, Florida.
• Rocklin High School, Rocklin, California.

Schools benefit from PRIME via funding for equipment, software and professional development, as well as manufacturing/STEM-focused camps, extracurricular activities and scholarship opportunities. Schools in the national PRIME network also have direct connectivity to SME, the SME Education Foundation and its industry and education partners.

Companies that support PRIME impact the community by providing real-world connections for the instructors and students, as well as ensuring a pipeline of more qualified employees for their organization. The funding and manufacturing industry involvement allows PRIME schools to increase opportunities for students to engage in the careers and community and to collaborate with the industry in real-world scenarios. The Aviation Academy in Newport News, Virginia, has been a PRIME school since 2013. It is dedicated to creating a classroom environment to immerse students in STEM curriculum and hands-on manufacturing experiences. The Aviation Academy also partners with local and national SME chapters for various initiatives and interaction.

“Participating as a PRIME school ensures our graduates are one step closer to becoming college and career-ready with strong skills and a fascination with the technology that is so highly sought after in the 21st century workplace,” said Aaron Smith, program director, the Aviation Academy. “I am proud and thankful for all that SME provides for our students. SME plays a vital role in mentoring and transforming manufacturing and STEM education.”

PRIME schools are selected for their ability to be leading educational institutions in the areas of advanced manufacturing and STEM education. To maintain their designation as PRIME, schools must deliver on the mission of creating the next-generation workforce, as well as having engaged instructors, an active advisory panel and strong industry connections.

To learn more about PRIME, visit smeef.org/prime.

About the SME Education Foundation The SME Education Foundation is committed to inspiring, preparing and supporting the next generation of manufacturing engineers and technologists in the advancement of manufacturing education. Created by SME in 1979, the SME Education Foundation has provided more than $33 million since 1980 in grants, scholarships and awards through its partnerships with corporations, organizations, foundations and individual donors. Visit the SME Education Foundation at smeef.org. Follow @mfgeducation on Twitter or facebook.com/SME.Education.Foundation.

About SME SME connects all those who are passionate about making things that improve our world. As a nonprofit organization, SME has served practitioners, companies, educators, government and communities across the manufacturing spectrum for more than 80 years. Through its strategic areas of events, media, membership, training and development, and the SME Education Foundation, SME is uniquely dedicated to advancing manufacturing by addressing both knowledge and skill needs for the industry. Follow @sme_mfg on Twitter or facebook.com/smemfg.

“Tri-Rivers in collaboration with United Way continues to give back to the community through service projects,” said Jodi Gaietto, director of academics and student services. “Today marks our 6th Annual Make A Difference Day event.”

Gaietto continued, “This is an excellent opportunity for our community to see all of the many talented and giving young people who attend Tri-Rivers.” MADD ag 2014

More than 200 Tri-Rivers students as part of United Way’s LIVE UNITED volunteer activities made an immediate and positive impact in the Marion Community.

Lois Fisher, area entrepreneur, spoke to the students in the morning at the school before they headed out to 15 different service sites which included places like the Marion Senior Center, Sawyer Ludwig Park, TRECA, Marion Towers, Salvation AMADD Humane Society 2014rmy, Palace Theatre, Primrose, Kingston, Goodwill Industries, Ohio Farmer’s Co-op, Charleston Place, Humane Society.

“We are excited,” said Angela Reiff, United Way’s Volunteer Coordinator. “Our area high school students want to make a contribution to help make our community a stronger place.”

Kelly Garrett, Assistant Director, noted, “This makes our sixth year of coordinating volunteer opportunities for the students at Tri-Rivers, and every year I look forward to this event. I have a front row seat to the difference these teenagers are making – the smiles of those they’ve helped, as well as the before and after pictures of where they’ve spent the day.”

United Way of Marion County supports 33 local health and human service programs provided by 18 Partner Agencies in Marion County. Those who wish to donate can pledge online at www.unitedwaymarion.org, call 740-383-3108, or via their workplace giving campaign.

Tri-Rivers Cafeteria Manager Krista Schweinfurth received the “School Food Service Cafeteria Operator of the Year” award from RightWay Food Service.

Schweinfurth, who is starting her 10th year with Tri-Rivers, was selected for this honor from the more than 250 cafeteria operators who contract with RightWay Foods of Lima to supply food and supplies for their cafeterias.

Don Boger of RightWay said, “Krista runs a tight ship. She has one of the cleanest and shiniest kitchens I’ve ever seen.  When it comes to food, people buy with their eyes and her food line is always appetizing and appealing.”

He also commended her for being dedicated. “Last year when Krista’s mom was ill, she never missed an order deadline. She places orders twice weekly—always on time. She is firm and fair to deal with. As her sales representative, I appreciate her consistency, efficiency and professionalism.”

Tri-Rivers Director Larry Hickman credited Schweinfurth for taking Tri-Rivers cafeteria from the red to the black, while maintaining quality and a wide variety of foods that appeals to students. “It’s also notable that each year when we survey students, one of the things they always say they like at Tri-Rivers is the food.”

“I enjoy what I do,” said Schweinfurth. “It’s a pleasure to serve the students and staff in the Tri-Rivers district.”

Superintendent Chuck Speelman added, “At Tri-Rivers we enjoy celebrating success. Krista is doing an exceptional job and we appreciate her efforts.”

Tri-Rivers cafeteria serves more than 100 breakfasts meals and around 350 lunches for student and staff daily during the school year.