Help Bring FAME to Your Region: Second Round of Funding Now Open 

By MI NewsroomNovember 9, 2026

The Manufacturing Institute (MI) is opening a second round of the FAME Catalyst Grant, a funding opportunity designed to support the launch of new Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) chapters. 

  • The MI launched the FAME Catalyst Grant in March 2026 to equip more regions with a proven solution to their manufacturing talent challenges. Six organizations were selected for the inaugural grants. 

The second round will provide up to nine regional organizations with $65,000 in early-stage support to build the foundational employer and educator partnerships required to establish an employer-led FAME consortium.  

  • Selected organizations will also receive targeted support and guidance from the FAME USA team to ensure chapter success. 

Economic development organizations, chambers of commerce or manufacturing associations with strong ties to local manufacturers and community colleges are invited to learn more and apply.  

Manufacturers are encouraged to share this opportunity with their local economic development and manufacturing organizations to help bring FAME’s talent pipeline to their communities. 

The FAME Model 

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. Across more than 45 chapters in 19 states with over 450 employer partners, FAME produces highly skilled, adaptable technicians who are immediately productive. 

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  

This builds the talent pipelines manufacturers need to power today’s advanced production environments, 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: January 22, 2027 

The MI will host several FAME 101 Information Sessions 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.