FAME Adds Six New Chapters, Bolsters AI Skills Development
The Manufacturing Institute’s Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program—the global-best workforce development program—announced the addition of six new chapters, funded by its inaugural FAME Catalyst Grants. The new chapters will be part of the MI’s new AI Skills Initiative.
The background: Founded by Toyota and led by the MI (the NAM’s workforce development and education affiliate) since 2019, FAME offers earn-and-learn apprenticeship programs that train the next generation of manufacturing talent.
- New FAME chapters are founded when local manufacturers partner with industry or economic development organizations and community colleges or technical schools.
The grants: The MI Catalyst Grants offer $50,000 in early-stage support to the sponsoring economic development organizations to fund staff time and travel involved in starting a FAME chapter.
- In total, the first grants amount to $300,000 in funding that will not only help manufacturers develop the skilled talent they need but also help students start lifelong careers in manufacturing.
- Google.org provided funding for the MI’s AI Skills Initiative, recently announcing $10 million in funding for the MI to support AI skills development in the manufacturing workforce.
The new chapters: The six inaugural recipients are:
- East County Economic Development Council in El Cajon, California;
- Carroll Tomorrow in Carrollton, Georgia;
- One Acadiana in Lafayette, Louisiana;
- Hinds County Economic Development Authority in Jackson, Mississippi;
- Greater St. Cloud in St. Cloud, Minnesota; and
- Big Country Manufacturing Alliance in Abilene, Texas.
Next steps: After building a coalition of local manufacturers along with a community college partner to support FAME chapter development, the recipients will enter the FAME Academy by October 2026 to learn how to manage the FAME Advanced Maintenance Technician program to deliver global-best results.
- Their first cohorts of students will be selected for employment at their selected company in spring 2027 and begin training and classes in fall 2027.
The big expansion: Thanks to the addition of these six new chapters, FAME’s total reach will expand to 52 chapters in 19 states. The Minnesota and Georgia chapters will be the first in their respective states.
The MI says: “With six new chapters getting off the ground—and more to follow—FAME is spanning the skills gap and providing manufacturers a workforce solution that meets the needs of today and tomorrow,” said MI President Carolyn Lee.
- “The interest we’ve seen from manufacturers and economic development organizations across the country demonstrates the success of the model. This is just the beginning,” added FAME National Director Tony Davis.