In honor of America's 250th birthday, we're inviting our TMA community to help us make an impact this July!
Here's how to enter our giveaway:
1. Donate $25.00 to the TMA Education Foundation.
- Click HERE to donate -
2. Follow the Foundation's new LinkedIn page
- Click HERE to follow -
That's it! Complete both steps and you'll be entered into a drawing to win one of TWO bottles of TMA's exclusive 100th Anniversary Whiskey!
Two winners will be announced at the end of July.
Your $25 donation helps support the TMA Education Foundation's mission of developing the next generation of manufacturing talent through scholarships, educational programs, and workforce initiatives.
Thank you for celebrating America's 250th by investing in the future of manufacturing!
Here's how to enter our giveaway:
1. Donate $25.00 to the TMA Education Foundation.
- Click HERE to donate -
2. Follow the Foundation's new LinkedIn page
- Click HERE to follow -
That's it! Complete both steps and you'll be entered into a drawing to win one of TWO bottles of TMA's exclusive 100th Anniversary Whiskey!
Two winners will be announced at the end of July.
Your $25 donation helps support the TMA Education Foundation's mission of developing the next generation of manufacturing talent through scholarships, educational programs, and workforce initiatives.
Thank you for celebrating America's 250th by investing in the future of manufacturing!
Women in TMA Grants are now open! Apply HERE
Taking nominations for our 2026 Rose Mottl Award Recipient! Nominate HERE
Follow us on LinkedIn HERE
MISSION
Founded in 1987, the TMA Manufacturing Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) raising, managing, and granting funds in order to:
✓ Provide schools with state-of-the-art equipment and improved facilities.
✓ Provide education and career materials to guidance offices, libraries, and classrooms.
✓ Provide financial assistance to students and vocational education teachers.
✓ Provide industry advisors to education.
✓ Expand the pool of qualified entry level tooling, machining, and manufacturing career candidates.
✓ Improve the image of manufacturing careers, and increases awareness of these careers to parents, educators, students, legislators, and public officials.
✓ Promote and direct the establishment of tooling, machining, and manufacturing technology training centers.
✓ Recruit talented men and women for challenging metalworking and manufacturing careers.
See what we've been up to!
April 2026 Issue HERE
March 2026 Issue HERE
February 2026 Issue HERE
✓ Provide schools with state-of-the-art equipment and improved facilities.
✓ Provide education and career materials to guidance offices, libraries, and classrooms.
✓ Provide financial assistance to students and vocational education teachers.
✓ Provide industry advisors to education.
✓ Expand the pool of qualified entry level tooling, machining, and manufacturing career candidates.
✓ Improve the image of manufacturing careers, and increases awareness of these careers to parents, educators, students, legislators, and public officials.
✓ Promote and direct the establishment of tooling, machining, and manufacturing technology training centers.
✓ Recruit talented men and women for challenging metalworking and manufacturing careers.
See what we've been up to!
April 2026 Issue HERE
March 2026 Issue HERE
February 2026 Issue HERE
An inside look at our 2026 Precision Machining Competition!
Nearly 200 students from 20 area high schools submitted more than 300 parts across 16 project categories in this year's 34th Annual Precision Machining Competition. This competition is not only a celebration of their hard work and talent, but also of manufacturing and the opportunities this industry provides. Students, parents, educators, and industry partners came together to recognize what these young people have accomplished.
A total of 47 top-three winners across our project categories had the opportunity to walk across the stage and be recognized with prize money for their achievements. A moment many of them will remember for years to come. We were also proud to celebrate our educators, whose dedication to developing the next generation deserves far more recognition than they often get. In partnership with SME, Chris West from Cary Grove HS received our Instructor of the Year Award of $1,000 for his outstanding impact on students and manufacturing education. Events like this are the heart of the Foundation's mission: connecting students to local manufacturing companies and connecting companies to their local schools.
Nearly 200 students from 20 area high schools submitted more than 300 parts across 16 project categories in this year's 34th Annual Precision Machining Competition. This competition is not only a celebration of their hard work and talent, but also of manufacturing and the opportunities this industry provides. Students, parents, educators, and industry partners came together to recognize what these young people have accomplished.
A total of 47 top-three winners across our project categories had the opportunity to walk across the stage and be recognized with prize money for their achievements. A moment many of them will remember for years to come. We were also proud to celebrate our educators, whose dedication to developing the next generation deserves far more recognition than they often get. In partnership with SME, Chris West from Cary Grove HS received our Instructor of the Year Award of $1,000 for his outstanding impact on students and manufacturing education. Events like this are the heart of the Foundation's mission: connecting students to local manufacturing companies and connecting companies to their local schools.
Robert F. Foster Skilled Trades Scholarship
Tuition for all 3 Years of TMA's Related Theory Apprenticeship Program
APPLY HERE
Robert F. Foster was deeply involved in the manufacturing industry beginning his journey in tool and die at the age of 18. It quickly became both his career and his passion, leading him to build two successful businesses within the industry. Robert joined TMA with his company, Laser Technologies in the early 1980s. He was a strong advocate for apprenticeship programs, particularly those aimed at enhancing the skills of young adults who were passionate about the industry. In his memory, Robert’s family has established an annual scholarship fund to carry on his legacy and support the values he held dear.
TMA thanks the Foster family and TMA Member, Laser Technologies for their support in sponsoring a full 3-year track within the TMA Related Theory Program annually. The Robert F. Foster Skilled Trades Scholarship is designed to promote and recruit promising individuals within the manufacturing sector awarding them a total of $9000 across the 3-year span of their training.
Application Due March 14th, 2025
Contact Justine Ewald at [email protected] with any questions
Tuition for all 3 Years of TMA's Related Theory Apprenticeship Program
APPLY HERE
Robert F. Foster was deeply involved in the manufacturing industry beginning his journey in tool and die at the age of 18. It quickly became both his career and his passion, leading him to build two successful businesses within the industry. Robert joined TMA with his company, Laser Technologies in the early 1980s. He was a strong advocate for apprenticeship programs, particularly those aimed at enhancing the skills of young adults who were passionate about the industry. In his memory, Robert’s family has established an annual scholarship fund to carry on his legacy and support the values he held dear.
TMA thanks the Foster family and TMA Member, Laser Technologies for their support in sponsoring a full 3-year track within the TMA Related Theory Program annually. The Robert F. Foster Skilled Trades Scholarship is designed to promote and recruit promising individuals within the manufacturing sector awarding them a total of $9000 across the 3-year span of their training.
Application Due March 14th, 2025
Contact Justine Ewald at [email protected] with any questions
GRANT TYPES
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PROGRAMS, MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT GRANTS
Proposals for programs and equipment that: Increase the pool of qualified candidates for precision manufacturing and related careers; Increase awareness of and improve the image of manufacturing careers; Sustain and expand manufacturing technology education; Encourage men and women to pursue careers in manufacturing. At this time we are not taking grant applications. |
MICRO-GRANTS
Need-based grants designed to assist in the execution of small projects. Micro-grant amounts may be requested up to $1,000. At this time we are not taking micro grant applications. |
WOMEN IN TMA GRANT
The Women in TMA Committee has established this program to assist women in advancing their manufacturing education and pursuing careers in the industry. The supports expenses related to education tuition, fees, transportation, childcare, and equipment. Apply for the microgrant HERE. |
CAREER PATHWAYS
TMA's BeNext program addresses the skills gap by training High School students for, and transition into, careers in the high-tech manufacturing industry. The program is approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and is industry-driven by manufacturers who know exactly what skills their future employees need. More information HERE.
PRECISION MACHINING COMPETITION (PMC)
This event is one of our most significant and effective initiatives for career recruitment into precision metalworking, now in its 34th year! This event honors excellence in precision machining skills among Illinois high school students. The Awards Night will feature a networking hour in which students, instructors, and family members can meet with sponsor companies to learn more about the manufacturing industry. Student projects will also be on display. More information HERE.
TMA's BeNext program addresses the skills gap by training High School students for, and transition into, careers in the high-tech manufacturing industry. The program is approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and is industry-driven by manufacturers who know exactly what skills their future employees need. More information HERE.
PRECISION MACHINING COMPETITION (PMC)
This event is one of our most significant and effective initiatives for career recruitment into precision metalworking, now in its 34th year! This event honors excellence in precision machining skills among Illinois high school students. The Awards Night will feature a networking hour in which students, instructors, and family members can meet with sponsor companies to learn more about the manufacturing industry. Student projects will also be on display. More information HERE.
HELP US MAKE AN IMPACT
OR SEND A CHECK FOR THE TMA EDUCATION FOUNDATION TO 1651 WILKENING RD, SCHAUMBURG, IL 60169
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QUESTIONS:
Contact us at [email protected] |
Rolling Meadows High School
"The Technology and Manufacturing Association has been instrumental in the development and growth of our manufacturing and engineering programs here at Rolling Meadows High School. With the financial assistance and guidance provided by the TMA Education Foundation, we have been able to equip our facility with the tools needed to train the future career-ready manufacturing workforce. The impacts of the TMA's holistic approach in helping prepare students to become the next generation of manufacturers has been immeasurable. The TMA hosts and encourages students to attend their numerous career fairs, centered around the high school student. In addition to student-driven career fairs, the TMA's industry connections have also assisted students in attaining employment, putting their skills to great use. I have seen the student empowerment that they receive when competing in the TMA's annual Precision Machining Competition, boosting their confidence and desire to begin an exciting career in manufacturing. As a high school manufacturing instructor, I can attest to the need for organizations and associations like the TMA to advance U.S. manufacturing and local communities." ANTHONY GENOVESE PLTW Engineering & Manufacturing Instructor |
Cary-Grove High School
"The TMA has been instrumental in the resurgence of our machining and manufacturing program at Cary-Grove High School. Budgets and fund allocations have been a challenge for schools all over the country and our school has been no different. That along with the huge push to put every kid into a 4-year university had our Industrial Technology Department basically down to an automotive program. TMA's support has allowed us to bring back our machining and manufacturing program. TMA has supported us with the purchase of a much-needed additional Bridgeport Mill, Tormach CNC Mill, and DRO's for all of our mills. This has allowed us to put manual machining back into our metals classes as well as generating enough momentum to help us launch a new CNC program and lab. We hope to continue to partner with TMA and its industry partners to build our program and create many more highly qualified candidates ready to enter the manufacturing workforce." MIKE MANNING Industry & Careers Division Lead |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Robert Clifford (Chairman)
Acme Industries, Inc. |
Charlotte Canning
Hoffer Plastics Corporation |
Keith Krutz
IMS Buhrke-Olson, LLC |
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Mike Warren
Rieke Office Interiors |
Nicole Wolter
H.M. Manufacturing, Inc. |
GRANTS MADE | 1995-2023
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Addison Trail High School | $12,786.00
High School participation in IMTS Summit | $1,356.86 Austin Polytechnical High Shool | $92,417.60 Bartlett High School | $9,927.00 Buffalo Grove High School | $4,962.00 Cary | Grove High School | $94,110.90 Channel20 | $1,000.00 Chicago Christian High School | $1,700.00 Chicago Manufacturing Institute | $1,500.00 Chicago Public School | $7,500.00 College of DuPage | $15,999.00 College of Lake County | $3,000.00 Compass Academy High School Dst. 303 | $100,000 Crete-Monee High School | $65,860.00 Crystal Lake Central High School | $16,529.91 Crystal Lake South High School | $17,290.00 Conant High School | $16,632.00 DAVEA | $13,902.35 Desktop Dimensions Interactive | $6,500.00 East Aurora High School | $6,200.00 Edge Factor Inc. | $15,000.00 Eisenhower High School (District 218) | $37,150.00 Elgin Area School District U | 46 | $12,500.00 Elk Grove High School | $35,552.00 Englewood High School | $2,055.15 Evanston Township High School | $14,660.40 Fox Valley Career Center | $8,080.26 Glenbard East High School | $907.50 Hampshire High School | $57,273.00 Harvard High School | $75,229.87 |
Homewood Flossmoor High School | $32,000.00
Illinois Institute of Technology | $46,500.00 Illinois SkillsUSA Competition | $9,750.00 lnscite Illinois | $3,000.00 lnstituto Del Progresso Latino | $1,090.42 Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC) | $6,667.50 John Hersey High School | $13,176.00 JS Morton West High School | $21,632.00 Kankakee Area Career Center | $500.00 Kerr Communications | $2,200.00 Lake County Technology Campus | $921.00 Lake Park High School | $92,508.00 Lane Tech High School | $3,766.10 Leyden High School | $173,722.65 Lumens Student News | $18,000.00 Maine East Robotics Club | $1,000.00 Maine Township High School District 207 | $46,750.00 McHenry East High School | $118,536.19 Mighty Mites Awards | $1,167.19 MLW Marketing, Inc. | $165.00 Moovers | Lego Team | $5,700.00 Morton West High School | $5,680.00 Mundelein High School | $15,632.00 National Institute for Metalworking Skills | $164,800.00 New Trier High School | $2,852.00 Niles North High School | $10,940.30 |
Niles West High School | $10,940.30
Northern Illinois University | $95,399.29 Oakton Community College | $5,380.00 Palatine High School | $9,599.00 Paul Rizzo Photography | $1,300.00 Prairie Ridge High School | $26,175.00 Prosser Career Academy High School | $21,974.00 Proviso West High School | $119,845.00 Rich East High School | $23,580.00 Rolling Meadows High School | $24,500.00 SkillsUSA | $11,250.00 Streamwood High School | $50,485.70 Technology Center of DuPage | $59,016.00 Thornton Community High School | $121,000.00 Tilden High School | $6,565.86 TMA | $137,044.03 TMA | High Mileage Competition | $5,000.00 TMA | Micro Grants | $20,000.00 Transportation to IMTS Student Summit | $2,500.00 Triton College | $1,600.00 Vocational Industrial Clubs of America | $12,500.00 Waubonsie Valley High School | $5,547.00 West Aurora High School | $41,583.00 Wheeling High School | $46,302.00 Woodstock High School | $103,996.96 World Business Chicago | $25,000.00 Wright College | $1,995.00 York Community High School | $27,585.00 |
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TOTAL: $2,678,675.59
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