LIFT, the nonprofit national advanced materials and manufacturing innovation institute, today announced a new strategic partnership with the Gilbert Family Foundation to support accelerating advanced manufacturing training and educational opportunities for Detroiters.
The two-year investment by the Gilbert Family Foundation will increase Detroit’s advanced manufacturing talent pipeline and bridge the growing skills gap by equipping the next generation of workers with the knowledge and abilities required in high-demand, advanced manufacturing careers.
The grant will provide more students with opportunities through LIFT’s existing advanced manufacturing educational programs at its Detroit facility, from field trips to high school classes to adult certifications, including:
- Expanding the STEM Pipeline via Immersive Student Field Trips: LIFT will open its doors to the future workforce by hosting 600 Detroit-area students through 25 specialized field trips to the LIFT Learning Lab to spark interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers.
- Launching the IGNITE: Mastering Manufacturing® Curriculum with the Leona Group: LIFT will continue its IGNITE: Mastering Manufacturing high school curriculum, providing students from the Leona Group with foundational knowledge in materials science, advanced manufacturing systems, and real-world problem-solving through project-based learning.
- Empowering the Adult Workforce Through Operation Next® Skilled Trades Training: LIFT will formally train and credential at least 30 adults in these critical, in-demand advanced manufacturing skills, including welding, CNC machining, industrial technology maintenance, and robotics.