Any onlooker stepping inside Bryan County science teacher Jason Lee’s classroom is likely to witness an exciting whirlwind of activity, not least from the various mechanical projects scattered and studied across the room. From robotic arms to electric circuits and engines, there’s something for everyone.
“This is a 1930 Model A Engine,” Lee says, showing off the antique Ford engine his students are attempting to get running again. “My dad brought it in, and donated it. It’s for them [the class] to be able to learn how to use the precision measurement tools on an actual application.”
At Bryan County High School, Lee is part of SME PRIME, the educational program designed by the Society of Mechanical Engineers’ (SME) Education Foundation. Created in 2011, the Michigan-based nonprofit partners private industry with schools to create custom manufacturing and engineering curricula for high schools across the country.
Rob Luce, the current vice president of SME Education Foundation, explains that SME PRIME’s collaboration with local industries and manufacturers helps students better prepare for the workforce once they graduate.
“The idea being that as kids are going through the program, they’re obtaining skill sets and credentials and industry recognized certifications that the manufacturers in their community are looking for,” Luce said.
It’s no secret that North Bryan is a hub for manufacturing. Hyundai Motor Group understandably steals the headlines with its brand-new electric vehicle Metaplant located in Ellabell, but other companies such as Daniel Defense, C&H Precision, and Thomas & Hutton have a strong presence across the county, and their input helps teachers like Lee craft a relevant curriculum for his students, says Luce.
And at Bryan County High School, the main focus is on mechatronics and robotics, owing to companies like Hyundai and its related suppliers relying heavily on automation in their industries.
“SME PRIME is predicated on working with private industry,” said Luce. “There’s a process by which we engage local manufacturers by having them tell us what their workforce needs are, what technical skills, soft skills…they are looking for.”
In and around the classroom
The SME PRIME Program runs just like a regular class--as in, one period five days a week--and is available to students from 9th to 12th grade, with a capstone project in their final semester.
Curriculums are developed by ToolingU-SME, the wider workforce arm of SME, which are aligned with state standards and which help aid teachers in the classroom.
“Through ToolingU-SME, we’re providing industry-grade, industry-informed curriculum, project-based learning plans that complement the equipment in the classroom,” said Luce.
The program is provided at no cost to schools, including equipment, training, and curriculum. As of 2025, SME PRIME currently features in 111 high schools across the country, with 12 high schools, including Bryan County High School, participating in Georgia.
Luce hopes that the program expands to more schools in the Peach State in coming years, and that both students and parents get to experience just how beneficial SME PRIME is for young people thinking about potential manufacturing careers post-graduation.
“A lot of manufacturing growth over the past 10 to 15 years has taken place in the southeastern part of the United States, specifically Georgia, explained Luce. “We're going to continue to explore the expansion, the scalability of SME PRIME across the state.”
“It’s good pay in a growing industry [manufacturing], in a technologically advanced industry, and having the private sector engaged in the program [as well] only exemplifies for the student and their parents those facets, and it helps dispel myth from reality.”
Bryan County students like Lacey Howell, now in her third year with the program, say that the interactive aspect of SME PRIME makes the class fun and engaging:
“I enjoy the hands-on aspect of it," Howell said. “I like getting to work with equipment in class.”
To learn more about SME PRIME, visit https://www.smeef.org/prime-schools-initiative/sme-prime/
