As someone who has spent 47 years working in manufacturing technology, I experienced firsthand, as you likely have, our industry’s impact on the advancement and prosperity of individuals and our local communities. I’m grateful AMT and IMTS recognize this and are posting this article for me to share what a corporate membership or gift to the American Precision Museum (APM) means.
More than a collection of machines, APM strives to use the stories of innovation and creativity to inspire young people of all ages to consider a career in manufacturing. This year, we completed the installation of the “Made by Machine” display to follow the opening “Made by Hand” exhibit.
STEM+M Pathways Workforce shortages impact us all, and APM has launched a STEM+M Pathways project. (“M” stands for “manufacturing.” These kits include exposure to manufacturing technologies and career paths, inspiring the next generation of advanced manufacturers. Partnering with two STEM education organizations, APM provided (and helped implement) over 2,600 individual STEM+M kits to 4th to 6th grade classrooms in 47 schools in under-served areas. APM provides the kits at no cost, and they give students a hands-on introduction to manufacturing and design. APM also hosted 29 field trips and 668 students in 2023. Additionally, APM exhibits at the Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS.
Teachers’ Responses Include “Thank you so much for this incredible resource. The students enjoyed the kits immensely and they provided much needed hands-on material that were not in our budget this year.”
“Thank you for this open invitation to teachers and for the generous desire to help us provide genuine STEM opportunities for our students. I am very excited about what you are doing. It feels very relevant and alive.”
“Regardless of the abilities of the kids, they were all able to do it successfully. It was very inclusive in that way. I had a special needs student, and he was able to do that kit with only a little additional support, so felt like he was part of the class — the kits worked really well in that regard.”
Make This Vision a Reality As we embark on this exciting new chapter in the museum’s story, we hope you will consider making a donation to APM to help us welcome more visitors, develop new exhibits, increase the number of STEM+M education programs for youth and families, and more broadly share the history and unique stories of American ingenuity.
We look forward to working together to inspire the next generation of problem solvers, innovators and entrepreneurs. Visit www.americanprecision.org and give at americanprecision.org/give2023.
