Shape Corp. Partners with SME's PRIME Program to Prepare Grand Haven High School Students for Careers in Manufacturing

DEARBORN, Mich., June 19, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Shape Corp., a global tier-one automotive and industrial component supplier, is the latest manufacturer to join the growing list of companies partnering with the SME Education Foundation to expand its exemplary manufacturing education program for high school students. The Foundation, Shape Corp. and Grand Haven Area Public Schools will collaborate through SME's Partnership Response In Manufacturing Education (PRIME®) initiative, to develop and launch an advanced manufacturing education program at Grand Haven High School in Grand Haven, Michigan, beginning in the 2018 academic year.  

Shape Corp. is dedicated to producing a talented future workforce, often participating in career-building events and industry activities to increase awareness of the opportunities within manufacturing. On an annual basis, Shape supports and hosts local West Michigan teams from the Future Prep'd program, which engages students in solving real business problems. Shape regularly participates in career exploration events, including Boomerang, MiCareerQuest and others. Students often tour Shape's facilities, gaining an introduction to processes, products and the varying types of work that are needed for the business to succeed.  

"Shape has a long history of engagement with students, and we have partnered with numerous organizations to attract these young people to potential career opportunities in manufacturing," said Mark White, president, Shape Corp. "We are very excited about partnering with the SME Education Foundation and look forward to growing a great manufacturing education program in Grand Haven."

PRIME builds a collaborative network of students, educators and industry professionals to provide high school students with advanced manufacturing career pathways, while driving their interest and awareness in manufacturing. This national program provides students with practical experience, knowledge and skills using state-of-the-art technology and equipment, while allowing companies to influence the career direction of youth through mentoring, internships and job shadowing. 

"The SME Education Foundation has partnered with some of the best companies in the manufacturing industry, and we are proud to add Shape Corp. to this distinguished list," said Brian Glowiak, vice president, SME Education Foundation. "We also look forward to working with the skilled and enthusiastic educators at Grand Haven High School who will foster their students in becoming future manufacturing engineers and technologists."

With more than 2,000 students and 125 staff members, Grand Haven High School is home to a wide variety of courses and includes curriculum designed to meet and adapt to the needs of 21st century education. The school's academic emphasis focuses on preparing students for college as well as the increasingly competitive and technologically advanced workplace, laying the foundation for a great partnership with the SME Education Foundation and its PRIME initiative.

"We are very impressed with the SME Education Foundation's work and its accomplishments through the PRIME initiative," said Andrew Ingall, superintendent, Grand Haven Area Public Schools. "Our students will benefit greatly from engagement with Shape Corp. as well as the plethora of opportunities offered through PRIME."

Alliances with local manufacturing associations play a major role in connecting business and education within the manufacturing community. The Shape Corp. and Grand Haven Area Public Schools collaboration is a result of the SME Education Foundation's partnership with the Michigan Manufacturers Association, which began in 2016 to help boost Michigan's already strong manufacturing presence and provide much-needed support to an industry seeking a large influx of new talent.

"We are very proud to be part of the partnership with Shape Corp., the SME Education Foundation and Grand Haven Area Public Schools," said Mike Johnston, vice president, government affairs, Michigan Manufacturers Association. "The vision of Shape Corp. and the Grand Haven school leaders to work together to harmonize their missions to provide both career opportunities for students and provide talent to grow local companies should be commended.  We hope this will serve as a model for communities to cooperate all over the state."

About the SME Education Foundation
The SME Education Foundation is committed to inspiring, preparing and supporting the next generation of manufacturing engineers and technologists. Since its creation by SME in 1979, the SME Education Foundation has provided grants, scholarships and awards through its partnerships with corporations, organizations, foundations and individual donors. Each year, the Foundation awards several hundred scholarships to students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering and technology disciplines closely related to manufacturing. The organization also administers scholarship awards on behalf of major corporations connected to manufacturing. Additionally, the Foundation's PRIME initiative was created to provide high school students with a tailored advanced manufacturing /STEM education.

Visit the SME Education Foundation at smeeducationfoundation.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 the advancement of manufacturing by addressing both knowledge and skills needed for the industry. Learn more at sme.org, follow @SME_MFG on Twitter or facebook.com/SMEmfg.

About Shape Corp.
Shape Corp. is a full service supplier of custom metallic, plastic, composite and hybrid solutions. A tradition of process and material advancements have positioned the company as a roll forming pioneer and injection molding specialists. Shape primarily serves the automotive sector, but also supplies a diversified collection of non-automotive industries. Founded in 1974, the company remains a privately owned, family company. Shape employs more than 3,500 global associates in North America, Europe and Asia. Learn more at shapecorp.com.

About Grand Haven High School
Grand Haven High School is a comprehensive public high school in West Michigan, on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan and is the flagship of the Grand Haven Area Public Schools. A broad range of students are served including over 30% free-reduced lunch, multiple programs for students with disabilities and English language learners along with programs for students wishing to earn college credit in high school. The high school has been regularly recognized by outside organizations for excellence including AP Honor Roll, US News and World Report Silver Medal (top high schools in the nation) and Bridge Magazine Academic State Champs. Grand Haven High Schools mission is to ensure that all students have equal opportunity to achieve success. This includes the development of the whole person, preparation for post-secondary options in an ever-changing world, and learning how to learn, make decisions, and work with others. Having nearly 2,200 students and adults under one roof each and every day, it's important that we build our climate to feel small; therefore, we operate under the expectations that we are TEAM GH ... One Family, One Team, One Grand Haven!

SOURCE SME Education Foundation