Daniel Morgan is the first institution in South Carolina to receive a comprehensive SME PRIME program

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Mar. 16, 2026 – Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, students at Daniel Morgan Technology Center in Spartanburg, S.C., will have the opportunity to gain access to real-world, cutting-edge training in advanced manufacturing through the SME PRIME® program. The Foundation operates as the philanthropic arm of SME, the nonprofit association committed to advancing the widespread adoption of manufacturing technologies and developing North America’s talent and capabilities. This expansion of SME PRIME in South Carolina is made possible through the generous support of the Spartanburg Academic Movement and OneSpartanburg Inc. who partnered with industry partners at the school to help bring this initiative to life.

SME PRIME (Partnership Response in Manufacturing Education), guided by input from private industry, creates customized manufacturing and engineering programs in high schools nationwide. The program provides essential resources such as equipment, curriculum, teacher training, student scholarships, funding for extracurricular activities, and support for long-term program sustainability. Tailored to meet the needs of local manufacturers, SME PRIME aligns with 45 industry-recognized credentials and certifications. Currently, SME PRIME operates in 128 schools across 26 states, benefiting 12,000 students, with 91% of seniors pursuing manufacturing careers after graduation.

“Expanding SME PRIME to Daniel Morgan Technology Center represents another important step in building strong regional manufacturing talent pipelines,” said Rob Luce, vice president of the SME Education Foundation. “By aligning education with industry needs and providing students with hands-on access to modern manufacturing technologies, we are helping prepare the next generation of skilled talent that manufacturers depend on.”

Through SME PRIME, students will gain early exposure to the skills and technologies that drive manufacturing, ensuring a strong pipeline of talent ready to support South Carolina’s critical industries. By aligning education with industry and building talent pipelines where students live and learn, SME is investing in their futures—and in the strength of both the region’s economy and the nation’s security and manufacturing base.

SME PRIME programming was introduced to South Carolina students more than 10 years ago. Since that time, SME PRIME programming has grown from individual equipment awards to a comprehensive tailored program of instruction that includes equipment materials and supplies, a research informed curriculum plan, professional development, and support for student engagement. Daniel Morgan Technology Center will be the state’s first school to be awarded the recently developed comprehensive SME PRIME program.

“Launching the SME PRIME program at Daniel Morgan Technology Center is a major step forward for our students and our community. This partnership ensures our students gain access to the skills, technologies and real-world experiences that today’s manufacturing careers demand,” said Dr. Nikki Honeycutt, director of the center and the 2025 CTE Administrator of the Year, as chosen by the South Carolina Association for Career and Technical Education. “We are proud to help prepare the next generation of talent that will support South Carolina’s advanced manufacturing sector for years to come through this partnership.”

SME PRIME provides a robust learning experience based on local workforce needs. With approximately 433,000 of manufacturing jobs currently unfilled in the U.S., a number expected to reach nearly 1.9 million by 2034. SME PRIME is helping bridge the gap between education and opportunity.

The SME Education Foundation remains committed to expanding these transformative educational opportunities, creating pathways for students to excel in the ever-growing field of manufacturing. For additional information about SME PRIME, please visit the SME Education Foundation. 

About the SME Education Foundation

As the philanthropic arm of SME, the SME Education Foundation inspires, prepares, and supports the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent. Established in 1979, the Foundation works to expose youth to modern manufacturing technologies, train students on relevant manufacturing processes, and award millions of dollars in scholarships annually. All Foundation programming seeks to empower youth to consider and pursue careers in manufacturing and engineering. We continue to inspire, prepare, and support the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent – now as many as 12,000 students every year. Visit smeef.org and follow the SME Education Foundation on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. 

About SME 

Established in 1932 as a nonprofit organization, SME represents the entire North American manufacturing industry, including manufacturers, academia, professionals, students, and the communities in which they operate. We believe manufacturing holds the key to economic growth and prosperity, and champion the industry's potential as a diverse, thriving, and valued ecosystem. SME accelerates new technology adoption and builds North America’s talent and capabilities to advance manufacturing and drive competitiveness, resiliency, and national security. SME designs new ways to understand and solve problems, and our solutions advance the next wave of growth in manufacturing. Learn more at SME.org