Society of Manufacturing Engineers Joins Automation Federation
The Automation Federation serves as the “Voice of Automation” by providing advocacy and industry-wide strategic analysis and coordination through its member organizations.
Earlier this month, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Education Foundation became one of the newest members of the Automation Federation (AF).
AF serves as the “Voice of Automation” by providing advocacy and industry-wide strategic analysis and coordination through its member organizations. One of the messages AF spreads on behalf of its member organizations is the importance of the automation profession and the need to develop the next generation of automation professionals. To build momentum and support for its workforce development initiatives — including the promotion of K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and the Automation Competency Model — AF is working to bring like-minded organizations together to create a stronger voice.
The SME Education Foundation is committed to the educational needs of American youth and inspiring them to excel in STEM education; providing access to rigorous educational opportunities through financial support with awards and scholarships; and funding project-based curricula and activities designed to motivate learning.
Over its 30-year history, the SME Education Foundation has invested $5.3 million in youth programs, helping nearly 20,000 to explore career opportunities in STEM education; granted/funded over $4.7 million in scholarships to students pursuing manufacturing-related careers; and invested $8.5 million in grants to 35 colleges and universities to develop industry-driven curricula.
The SME Education Foundation joined AF as part of its major to change public perception of manufacturing. In today’s economy, in-demand jobs are increasingly high-tech and require STEM skill sets. Everything is dependent on making engineering visible and relevant in the eyes of K-12 students, teachers, counselors, and parents.
Source: Automation Federation