Daniel Morgan Technology Center Launches SME PRIME Advanced Manufacturing Program

New partnership provides students with real-world training and access to cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 12:00am

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Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, students at Daniel Morgan Technology Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina will have the opportunity to gain access to advanced manufacturing training through the SME PRIME program. The program, operated by the SME Education Foundation, provides high schools with essential resources such as equipment, curriculum, teacher training, and student scholarships to prepare the next generation of manufacturing talent.

Why it matters

This expansion of SME PRIME to South Carolina represents an important step in building strong regional manufacturing talent pipelines. By aligning education with industry needs and providing students with hands-on access to modern manufacturing technologies, the program aims to help prepare the next generation of skilled talent that manufacturers depend on.

The details

The SME PRIME program is guided by input from private industry and creates customized manufacturing and engineering programs in high schools nationwide. Currently, SME PRIME operates in 128 schools across 26 states, benefiting 12,000 students, with 91% of seniors pursuing manufacturing careers after graduation. Through the program, students will gain early exposure to the skills and technologies that drive manufacturing, ensuring a strong pipeline of talent ready to support South Carolina's critical industries.

  • The SME PRIME program will launch at Daniel Morgan Technology Center in the 2026-2027 school year.

The players

SME Education Foundation

The philanthropic arm of SME, the nonprofit association committed to advancing the widespread adoption of manufacturing technologies and developing North America's talent and capabilities.

Daniel Morgan Technology Center

A high school in Spartanburg, South Carolina that will be offering the SME PRIME advanced manufacturing program.

Spartanburg Academic Movement

The organization that provided the generous support to make the expansion of SME PRIME to South Carolina possible.

Dr. Nikki Honeycutt

The director of Daniel Morgan Technology Center and the 2025 CTE Administrator of the Year, as chosen by the South Carolina Association for Career and Technical Education.

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What they’re saying

“Expanding SME PRIME to Daniel Morgan Technology Center represents another important step in building strong regional manufacturing talent pipelines.”

— Rob Luce, Vice President of the SME Education Foundation

“Launching the SME PRIME program at Daniel Morgan Technology Center is a major step forward for our students and our community. This partnership ensures our students gain access to the skills, technologies and real-world experiences that today's manufacturing careers demand.”

— Dr. Nikki Honeycutt, Director of Daniel Morgan Technology Center

What’s next

The SME PRIME program will officially launch at Daniel Morgan Technology Center at the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

The takeaway

This partnership between the SME Education Foundation and Daniel Morgan Technology Center represents a significant investment in preparing the next generation of manufacturing talent in South Carolina, ensuring students have access to the skills, technologies, and real-world experiences needed to support the state's critical advanced manufacturing sector.