Michigan Middle Schoolers Join Program for High-Demand Manufacturing Jobs

Over 2,800 Michigan Middle School Students to Benefit from New Manufacturing Careers Program

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich.— In a significant move to prepare young students for future careers, the “Manufacturing Futures” initiative was launched on Thursday at the Michael Berry Career Center. The program, which receives a $500,000 investment from General Motors, aims to introduce 2,800 Michigan middle school students annually to the manufacturing industry, one of the nation's highest-demand sectors. This initiative is being rolled out in Detroit Public Schools Community District and Dearborn Public Schools, integrating manufacturing career pathways directly into classrooms.

AFT President Randi Weingarten, alongside General Motors representatives, district leaders, educators, and students, emphasized the importance of early engagement in potential career fields. “If we want to prepare students for well-paid, middle-class careers in fields like robotics or welding, we have to start engaging them early, linking their passion and curiosity with purpose,” Weingarten stated. “This initiative not only will help Southeast Michigan’s students thrive, but also will help build the talented future workforce that this community deserves.”

General Motors Vice President of Infrastructure and Corporate Citizenship, David Massaron, expressed pride in the partnership with the AFT Educational Foundation. “Every student deserves the chance to chart a bright path toward the future,” Massaron said. “By connecting students to these highly valuable training and mentorship opportunities, we’re helping young people build the skills and confidence to shape what’s next for themselves and their communities.”

Administered by the AFT Educational Foundation, the Manufacturing Futures program will commence this fall. It will feature 3D printers, robotic arms, and hands-on manufacturing activities in eight middle school classrooms across the two districts, and connect students to existing high school career and technical education (CTE) programs.

The initiative also includes a newly equipped construction trades classroom at Dearborn Public Schools’ Michael Berry Career Center. In this setup, paid student ambassadors will mentor fellow students, guiding them through the program.

This program aims to create a seamless pathway for students, introducing them to advanced manufacturing careers through curriculum, hands-on activities, guided tours of CTE high school facilities, peer mentorship, and family engagement. This structured approach is designed to prepare students for high school manufacturing coursework.

Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent of DPSCD, remarked, “This investment comes at a perfect time as the District launched its High School Redesign work this fall to expand college and career programming districtwide at the high school level, especially through our neighborhood schools.”

Each year, the program is expected to impact 2,800 students. Moreover, 24 high school students will serve as CTE ambassadors, receiving training and stipends of $500.

Mike Esseily, superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools, highlighted the program’s significance, saying, “Middle school is a critically important time for exploration and self-discovery, and high school provides career pathways that help our students grow.” He added, “Early exposure to real-world opportunities allows our students to align their interests and skills while building the knowledge and confidence they need to reach their full potential.”

The initiative builds on previous efforts by the AFT Education Foundation to scale its Advanced Technology Framework CTE curriculum. Despite challenges, including a halted federal grant in 2025, the program is being revitalized with GM's support and insights from Detroit and Dearborn schools to meet specific workforce needs.

The AFT represents 1.875 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.

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