FMA receives Platinum Partner Award.
Press Release Summary:
FMA received Platinum Partner Award to honor its commitment and contributions to Austin Polytechnical Academy, a manufacturing and engineering high school in Chicago Public Schools. FMA funded $20,000 grant request from Chicago Manufacturing Renaissance Council to support APA's FIRST Robotics Team, a summer manufacturing camp for youth, and the school's new Manufacturing Technology Center, which is a computer controlled equipment center for hands-on engineering practice.
Original Press Release:
FMA Receives Platinum Partner Award for Support of New Manufacturing and Engineering High School
ROCKFORD, Ill., - The Fabricator's & Manufacturers Association, Int'l (FMA) received a 'Platinum Partner Award' in a dedication ceremony on Jan. 14 to honor its commitment and contributions to Austin Polytechnical Academy (APA), a manufacturing and engineering high school in the Chicago Public Schools.
FMA funded a $20,000 grant request from the Chicago Manufacturing Renaissance Council (CMRC) to support APA's FIRST Robotics Team, a summer manufacturing camp for youth, and the school's new Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC), which opened recently.
Jim Warren, director of member services and education for the FMA, accepted the award on the association's behalf. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley spoke at the ceremony, which included APA students, parents, and staff with the school's industry partners and supporters, as well as local government and community leaders.
Following the presentation, tours of the school and new MTC were conducted. The MTC is a world class computer controlled equipment center for hands-on engineering practice. The new facility will offer students and community residents the opportunity to boost their resumes by earning nationally recognized manufacturing certifications from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills.
"The APA provides students with a rigorous college- and career-prep education, industry-recognized credentials, and meaningful work experience so they can find employment in manufacturing or engineering directly after high school," said Warren. "We believe this vocational fast-track will inspire more young people to consider manufacturing as a career option, help fill much-needed skilled labor positions, and help revitalize Chicago's manufacturing community."
The FMA funds the administration costs of its foundation Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs, matches contributions given to it, and supports other groups like the APA. NBT offers grants to educational institutions introducing young people to careers in manufacturing through summer manufacturing camps, and issues scholarships to students at colleges and trade schools pursuing careers in manufacturing.
Based in Rockford, Ill., the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl. (FMA), is a professional organization with more than 2,100 members working together to improve the metal forming and fabricating industry. Founded in 1970, FMA brings metal fabricators and fabricating equipment manufacturers together through technology councils, educational programs, networking events, and the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show.
