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SME Prime to bring equipment, curriculum and certifications to Eastpointe High School
Summary
Representatives from SME Prime told the board they will launch a four‑year manufacturing and engineering pathway at Eastpointe High School that includes industry‑standard equipment, curriculum, teacher training and employer‑aligned pathway design; the group said outside resources of about $500,000 will support the effort.
Shelley Woolly of SME Prime told the Eastpointe board on Dec. 8 that the Prime program (Partnership Response in Manufacturing Education) will provide a four‑year high school pathway including precision measurement, CAD/CAM, additive manufacturing (industry 3D printers), and elective pathways such as mechatronics, welding or industrial maintenance tailored to local employer demand.
Woolly said the program brings "curriculum, equipment, professional development" and a community needs assessment to align training with local job openings. She estimated the outside investment for equipment, curriculum and initial sustainability supports at about a half a million dollars. The program includes industry‑recognized certifications and a sustainability fund to help schools maintain programming after initial setup.
Principal Todd Yar introduced the presentation and local supporters, and a community member who manufactures locally praised the effort and urged the district to include scholarship and job‑placement supports so students can transition directly into well‑paying local manufacturing jobs.
What’s next: Woolly said Prime will do a regional market analysis and community needs assessment before finalizing the pathway mix and equipment list; the district will later schedule staff professional development and define the schedule for delivering courses and certifications.
