A New Opportunity for Regions to Create a FAME Chapter
Across the country, manufacturers are facing an urgent and growing challenge: finding the highly skilled, multi-talented technicians needed to power today’s advanced production environments. As automation, robotics and data-driven systems become standard on the factory floor, the demand for professional maintenance technicians continues to outpace supply.
To help close that gap—and equip more communities with a proven solution—the Manufacturing Institute (MI) is launching a new grant opportunity designed to accelerate the expansion of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) to key regions.
Accelerating the Growth of FAME
The MI invites regional, employer-facing, organizations to apply for the new FAME Catalyst Grant, which is designed to support the early stages of launching a FAME chapter. Following the grant period, organizations will enter the FAME Academy for ongoing technical assistance to build all aspects of a chapter, setting the stage to welcome the first class of students in fall 2027.
The Catalyst Grant will provide 6–8 selected regional “hub” organizations with early-stage funding to build the foundational partnerships required to establish an employer-led FAME consortium.
This funding specifically targets the critical “trust-building” phase—empowering local leaders to convene manufacturers and community colleges, align around shared workforce needs and formally commit to this collaborative training model.
Solving the Industry’s Greatest Challenge
FAME—originally created by Toyota and now led nationally by the Manufacturing Institute—is widely recognized as a premier American model for developing advanced manufacturing talent.
At the center of the model is the Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) program, which blends:
- Rigorous, industry-aligned college coursework
- Paid, structured on-the-job training
- Professional behaviors and leadership development
The results are industry-leading:
- 85% of FAME students graduate on time
- 95% secure full-time employment with their sponsoring employers
- 87% remain with those employers three years after graduation
FAME produces highly skilled, adaptable technicians who are immediately productive, strengthening both individual career pathways and regional manufacturing competitiveness.
Apply and Learn More
Organizations can begin the application process by downloading the full Request for Proposals at fame-usa.com/RFP.
- Application Deadline: April 10, 2026.
- Selection Notification: April 30, 2026.
The MI will host several FAME 101 Information Sessions throughout March to introduce the model, and outline expectations to interested organizations. Register here.
Additionally, RFP office hours will be provided to answer your specific questions regarding the RFP and application process. Register here.