Appropriations Requests for

• Cosponsoring legislators' names (if applicable):
• Physical address of legislatively directed spending item recipient and the intended location of the project or activity:
  1000 Town Center, Suite 1900, Southfield, MI 48075
• The recipient's employer identification number:
  382746841
• Requested amount of the legislatively directed spending item:
  $6,000,000.00
• What is the purpose and how does the legislatively directed spending item provide a public benefit that is an appropriate use of taxpayer money?
  This funding will support public education and workforce development by expanding SME’s K–20 education and workforce initiatives across the State of Michigan. SME’s K–20 manufacturing education pathway drives powerful alignment between education and industry stakeholders by ensuring that curriculum, equipment, credentials, and instructor development are directly informed by validated workforce demand. Through intentional coordination across the K–12 system, postsecondary education institutions, and industry partners, the pathway creates a seamless talent pipeline tightly aligned to priority manufacturing sectors and real-world employer needs. For this investment, SME will implement the PRIME K–20 pathway across six targeted Michigan communities. Each community will include two elementary schools, one middle school, one feeder high school, and one community college and university partner. The pathway will feature career-connected curriculum with clear articulation and transfer guidelines designed to accelerate students’ progress into postsecondary education and high-demand manufacturing careers. The investment creates a comprehensive K–12 experience that begins with early career awareness and continues through sustained exploration, skill development, and credential attainment. By shaping students’ aspirations and academic direction from the earliest grades through high school and post-secondary education, it fosters deeper engagement in career and technical education and ensures classroom learning is consistently connected to real-world skills and competencies required by Michigan’s priority manufacturing industries. This effort will include a comprehensive skills gap analysis in each targeted community, active engagement with local industry partners, development of a defined body of knowledge aligned to state and regional workforce priorities, and the provision of industry-aligned equipment to participating high schools based on identified local and statewide workforce needs. Together, these components will establish durable, community-embedded pathways that serve both youth and adults who are currently disconnected from education and training opportunities. Outreach and community engagement will be integral components of the program to ensure broad participation and long-term sustainability. This one-time appropriation will provide equipment, curriculum support, educator training, and program infrastructure that allows public schools and education partners to offer hands-on learning experiences informed by, and aligned with, industry needs. By introducing career exposure earlier and building fully integrated pathways from K–12 through postsecondary education and into high-demand manufacturing careers, this initiative equips students with clear direction, industry-recognized credentials of value, and the skills needed to secure high-wage employment. This request provides a clear public benefit by strengthening Michigan’s long-term talent pipeline, expanding equitable access to career-connected learning, and addressing the state’s ongoing skilled workforce shortages. It supports economic growth by helping employers find qualified workers while giving students practical skills that lead to sustainable careers. This is an appropriate use of taxpayer funding because it is a one-time investment in public education infrastructure that establishes durable, locally supported programs. SME will provide technical assistance, coordination, and ongoing program support, and no additional state funding will be required for implementation. This appropriation complies with Article IV, Section 30 of the Michigan Constitution. Funds will be used solely for public education and workforce development purposes, will provide a direct public benefit, and will not result in private gain.
• Has the legislatively directed spending item previously received or been awarded any of the following types of funding in the past 5 years?
  State Funding
• If so, how?
  Amount: $13,000,000.00
• Estimated time frame for completion of the legislatively directed spending item project:
  Within FY27
• Has the nonprofit corporation continuously operated in this state for the preceding 36 months?
  Yes
• Has the nonprofit corporation had a physical office in this state for not less than the preceding 12 consecutive months?
  Yes
• Does the nonprofit corporation have a board of directors?
  Yes
• List all of the officers and active members on the board of directors:
  Erica Powell Bell President; Robert Komljenovic Vice President; Andrew Jones Secretary/Treasurer; Dianne Chong, Frank W. Ervin III; Valerie Freeman; Matt Hilgendorf; Joe Kann; Art McClellan; John Miller; Christopher Rake; Selin Sirinterlikci

Certification By Sponsoring Legislator