In 2019, the PMA Educational Foundation (PMAEF) wanted to help PMA members foster growth and promotion of metalforming careers in their communities. To achieve this, PMAEF created the Metalforming Micro-Grant Program. 

The program provides funding to member companies that are implementing projects or programs to enhance the public’s experience and exposure to metalforming careers in collaboration with MFG Day. PMA members could receive between $500 - $1,000 grants to host an MFG Day event. 

The 2019 program went live in August and 15 PMA members received grants totaling $14,295. In 2020, PMAEF did not have the program due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was brought back in 2021 with 12 PMA members receiving grants totaling $11,500. 

The 2022 program went live on August 1 and PMAEF is accepting applications through September 15. To learn more about the program and apply, visit the micro-grant’s website. Below you’ll find past micro-grant recipients and what they were able to accomplish with the micro-grants they received. 

Ajax hosted several high schools over two days, showcasing careers in manufacturing and the opportunities available—both on the shop floor and in the front office. Ajax also promoted its internship program where students attend school and earn credit while working. After high school, interns are able to continue working while in college and graduate debt free. 

Enterprise hosted students, teachers and parents to tour its facility and learn more about the tool and die trade. They also took part in interactive activities to show guests what Enterprise makes, the application of the products and more. Enterprise explained to the guests how its apprenticeship program works and what type of applicants Enterprise looks to hire. 

Hatch used the funds to market manufacturing careers to local students. Hatch explained what modern manufacturing entails, how the company utilizes the latest technologies at the facility, and made sure students understood how these skilled positions produce parts that are used in their daily lives. 

Hobson & Motzer showed local students that a job in manufacturing is not only a viable career but also completely different than what they may think it is. By showing them its state-of-the-art facility, Hobson & Motzer shows manufacturing as a clean, safe and smart career path. 

Jacar used the grant to market and provide guidance for careers in metalforming to local area high schools. Jacar looked to disprove common misconceptions of modern manufacturing and how jobs are not only on the shop floor, but there are different careers in the front office. 

Through partnerships with local high schools and vocational programs, Laystrom showed the students what it really means to work in manufacturing. Through these partnerships, Laystrom presented manufacturing as a rewarding career path and works to hire students who want to work in manufacturing. 

Mayfran’s outreach into the community is a year-round committee. Mayfran partners with local organizations that bring together local youth and manufacturers to learn about jobs. Mayfran also partners with a local school to fund its Battle Bots competition and offers a manufacturing summer camp where kids can tour its facility and meet with employees to learn more about metalforming jobs. 

McAlpin used the funds to hold its first MFG Day event! The event included students from local area high schools and included a plant tour, presentation on manufacturing careers and meeting McAlpin employees to learn more about their careers. 

MICRO partnered with the local community to invite students, teachers and counselors to learn more about the exciting career paths in manufacturing and how attending college after graduation is not for everyone. MICRO used the funds to help with this education and develop a local talent pipeline. 

Morrison Products took part in the local kids day at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH. During the program, the kids learned all the steps needed to accomplish NASA projects which included design, 3D modeling, fabrication, etc. 

Oneda used the funds to help support the First Robotics Team for 9th-12th graders at their local high school. Oneda employees take part as mentors for the students to teach, design and manufacture parts for the robots. Additionally, Oneda uses the program to introduce students to its apprenticeship program.  

Penn United used the grant funds on students involved in its Students Acquiring Technical Skills Program, a registered pre-apprenticeship program with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor. Students in the program take part at no cost and learn both onsite and virtually. The virtual component provides students with an understanding before taking part in the hands-on activities at the facility. Students also earn NIMS credentials. 

Stripmatic invited students into its facility to show how CAD systems are used to design products as well as how automation is utilized on the shop floor to increase efficiency. 

Walker Tool & Die welcomed students into its facility with the theme of “Picture Yourself in Manufacturing.” Students received a tour of facility and then asked them to “picture” themselves in the roles they saw on the floor—die makers, CNC machinists, die designers, etc. 

Ajax’s MFG Day Outreach Program included: 

The Batesville Indiana location hosted a virtual manufacturing experience with students across multiple local communities. The experience included a tour of Batesville’s facility and discussions with workers about what it is like working in manufacturing and the benefits of choosing this career path. 

Beckwood expanded on its past events for 2021 and was able to include 3D-printed keychains and stamped logo ornaments for the students that took part. Additionally, Beckwood helped with STEM projects with students involved in derby car races and building presses. 

Enterprise hosted a manufacturing week with six interactive stations set up for students to see what the company creates while allowing them the opportunity to create their own steel puzzle. The week also included a plant tour and an explanation of Enterprise’s apprenticeship program and how they can apply to take part. 

J.V. Manufacturing took part in several events around MFG Day: 

Additionally, J.V. hosted a First Responders thank you day for the community to learn more about careers at J.V.

Marion partnered with local area technical schools to host a plant tour. In addition to the tour, Marion provided students with information about pursuing a career in manufacturing, highlighting the variety of jobs and apprenticeship programs they can apply for. Students left with company-branded tumblers, t-shirts, pens and safety glasses. 

Building on the 2019 NASA kids day, Morrison created a hands-on MFG Day skills challenge for middle and high school students. This program offers students mentoring and resources to complete the projects in the challenge. 

Mursix used the grant to purchase METALFORM EDU licenses for its three interns from Muncie Central High School. The students were part of the school’s Advanced Manufacturing Program and interned at Mursix from October through May. 

Okay hosted students at its facility and created a manufacturing game to explain the importance of manufacturing to its local community and the country. All students received company-branded t-shirts. 

Oneda expanded its partnership with Muscogee County School District (MCSD) teachers and volunteers in mentoring the high school robotics program. Oneda and MCSD mentors aided in developing machining and manufacturing skills for the high schoolers. 

Principal partnered with local high schools, community colleges and other educational establishments to promote its apprenticeship program. The micro-grant helped created marketing and promotions to recruit new apprentices. 

Stone City Products partnered with local schools and career centers to host a week-long event to promote how rewarding manufacturing careers are. The company brought in local manufacturers as part of the speaker panel and had students take part in project-based learning activities. 

To learn more about the micro-grant program and how to apply, visit its website. The 2022 application deadline is September 15 at 8:00 p.m. ET.