Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth High School Expands Frankenmuth High School Expands Career Pathways with Career Pathways with SME PRIME SME PRIME and Aviation Technology and Aviation Technology Written by FHS Lead Administrator, David Jaworski S ince the start of the 2024–2025 school year, Frankenmuth High School has taken a bold step forward in preparing students for the future by launching the SME PRIME® (Partnership Response In Manufacturing Education) program in partnership with the SME Education Foundation. This initiative brings advanced manufacturing, engineering, and now drone and ground aviation training directly into the hands of Frankenmuth students. This expansion is due in large part to the leadership and expertise of longtime FHS teacher Rob Baker. With his background as a retired U.S. Navy pilot and his long-standing commitment to hands-on, industry-connected learning, Mr. Baker has been instrumental in shaping the growth of engineering pathways at FHS. His dedication to staying current in his field shows in the work he's done to earn his FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification and three levels of FESTO certification for robotics instruction. His investment is paying off for students. Enrollment in Mr. Baker's Engineering classes has more than doubled this year, and students now have the opportunity to specialize their focus in FANUC Robotics, Ground Aviation, or Drone Aviation, a first for FHS. Mr. Baker's vision, technical skillset, and innovative approach continue to expand opportunities and open doors for our students. The SME Education Foundation, the philanthropic arm of SME, is dedicated to developing North America's manufacturing workforce through education and technology, and the PRIME program bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry by providing high schools with equipment, curriculum, teacher training, scholarships, and program funding. Each PRIME school's program is customized to meet the needs of local employers, ensuring that students graduate with relevant, in-demand skills. At Frankenmuth High School, the SME PRIME program offers hands-on experiences in several high-tech areas including mechatronics and robotics, metrology and quality, and CAD/CAM design. Students gain valuable skills using advanced tools like the Fanuc CRX-5iA Cobot, while in the ground and drone aviation subsets, also learning about aerodynamics, flight control, and unmanned aerial systems — all strengthened by Mr. Baker's ability to connect classroom learning with authentic industry practice. Connecting Education with Industry Across the nation, SME PRIME operates in 111 schools across 23 states, serving over 10,000 students. The results speak for themselves: 91% of SME PRIME seniors continue into manufacturing or engineering- related careers or postsecondary programs. 12

• Cover