East Leyden High School Joins SME Education Foundation PRIME Network
Recognized for its commitment to the advancement of manufacturing in the Chicago region, East Leyden will begin its PRIME designation in the 2016-17 academic year as only the second PRIME school in Illinois. Wheeling High School was the first, and is also one of the original six schools to become part of the PRIME network in 2011.
"Major manufacturers have established an important footprint in the Chicago region, and East Leyden takes pride in the work we do to prepare our students for promising careers with these companies," said Frank Holthouse, Industrial Technology Department Chair at East Leyden. "We are honored to be part of the PRIME network and especially pleased with the opportunities that it will bring to both our students and faculty."
A comprehensive high school, East Leyden offers manufacturing and STEM programs that prepare students for entry level jobs in manufacturing. With 1,733 students, East Leyden is one of only three high schools in the state of Illinois to achieve National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) accreditation.
"East Leyden High School is making a significant impact on the manufacturing community by producing talented students who will pursue advanced manufacturing education or move right into a career in this industry," said Josh Cramer, senior educational program officer, SME Education Foundation. "Schools like East Leyden are helping to build a pipeline of young men and women who are passionate about American industrial ingenuity."
District 212 Superintendent Nick Polyak says the relationship between East Leyden and the manufacturing community is a cooperative effort. "We see our program as a true partnership with our manufacturing community. They provide guidance, support, and job opportunities and we provide them with the next generation of workers and leaders," he adds.
Misperceptions about manufacturing - including career options, work environments and advanced technologies - are among the reasons many young people entering the workforce choose other career paths, further impacting the shortage of skilled workforce needed to sustain this industry. The SME Education Foundation developed PRIME to help stimulate interest in these jobs and provide students with options to acquire manufacturing industry credentials and pathways to successful careers.
PRIME engages and builds a collaborative network between K-12 education and industry in a tailored approach to developing a future workforce while driving interest and awareness in manufacturing.
The SME Education Foundation works with school administrators, educators and industry partners to develop and implement advanced manufacturing programs and STEM experiences for students.