The name may have changed, but the mission has not. The PMMI Foundation, the charitable arm of PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, has announced the evolution of its longtime relationship, Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT), into SparkForce, The FMA Foundation. This transformation marks a renewed dedication to igniting interest in manufacturing careers in young minds while embracing the innovation and advanced technologies shaping the industry.
Since 2021, the PMMI Foundation and NBT have joined forces to support summer manufacturing camps across the US. In 2024, the PMMI Foundation has supported 35 camps, providing 479 students with hands-on experiences designed to engage and ignite interest in exciting careers within the industry. These camps help dispel outdated stereotypes that manufacturing is dirty, dangerous, or lacking a future and showcase its dynamic, innovative, and rewarding nature. Now, as SparkForce, The FMA Foundation, begins its next chapter, the shared mission remains the same –– sparking a passion for manufacturing and cultivating the next-generation workforce.
“SparkForce reflects the energy and potential within today’s manufacturing industry, which is much more than nuts and bolts — it’s advanced, cutting-edge technology,” says Ed Dernulc, Foundation Director. “With SparkForce, we’re intensifying our efforts to inspire, educate, and prepare tomorrow’s workforce, and we’re excited to accomplish this mission in relationship for the fifth year with the PMMI Foundation.”
“The PMMI Foundation and SparkForce will continue to champion initiatives that expose students to real-world manufacturing, instill confidence, and equip them with the skills needed for success,” says Stephan Girard, Senior Director, Workforce Development, PMMI, and SparkForce Board Member. “This shared commitment ensures the relationship remains a cornerstone in shaping the future of our industry.”
Summer camps are designed for students, ages 12-16, where they experience modern manufacturing by creating, building, and taking a product home. At camp, they tour manufacturing facilities, learn about entrepreneurship, and meet top industry experts. Campers have the opportunity to:
Experience a safe, hands-on learning environment
Create products with Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Operate machinery under close supervision
Discover their future career in manufacturing
Educators can make a positive impact for students and their schools by hosting summer manufacturing camps that create unique experiences for future workers. By serving as a camp host, educators can:
Educate and inform students, families, and businesses in their communities
Enhance their reputation with local industry
Demonstrate the value of manufacturing programs to area schools
Help fill the skilled labor gap in their hometowns
Twice each year, for the fall and spring semesters, FMA’s Foundation awards scholarships to students enrolled in certification, skills training, or degree programs that lead to careers in manufacturing.
To be considered for a scholarship award, students must be pursuing a degree or certification in one of the approved fields of study leading to a career in manufacturing. Only full-time students or part-time students, who are also working, who are currently enrolled or plan to enroll should apply. To qualify, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 for those attending trade, community or technical colleges and a 3.0 for those who are attending universities. Application review and scholarship award dedicions take place in November for spring terms and in May for fall terms.
For more information, visit pmmifoundation.org.
To learn more about SparkForce, The FMA Foundation, visit fmamfg.org/foundation.
