September 23, 2025 by Jesse Roitenberg, Director of Education, Stratasys Cultivating a skilled and passionate manufacturing workforce begins not in college or career, but in the formative years of K-12 education, where early exposure and hands-on learning ignite lasting enthusiasm. This critical focus on foundational education and experiential training was central to a compelling discussion at the recent RAPID +TCT event in Detroit. Within the SME Mission Critical: Workforce 2030 experience, Rob Luce, Vice President of the SME Education Foundation, and Jesse Roitenberg, Director of Education for Stratasys, came together for an “SME Insights” discussion about how their alliance has become a powerful force in shaping advanced manufacturing education. Stratasys's Strategic Investment in Talent: Partnering with the SME Education Foundation Stratasys, a global leader in additive manufacturing, has long recognized the critical role of education in its own success and across the broader industry. Roitenberg, a former teacher himself, said, "Stratasys is a huge believer in education. We know the reality is if students love our equipment and understand it when they graduate, they're going to expect it, want it, demand it in their careers." This proactive approach is not merely philanthropic; it’s a strategic investment in the “pipeline” of future talent. As Roitenberg explained, the ever-expanding world of additive manufacturing and related technologies demands a steady stream of employees who not only comprehend the capabilities of these tools but can also design with them. This pipeline extends beyond direct customers to encompass partners who service, sell, and market Stratasys technology—as well as Stratasys itself, a company with 2,000 employees and a continuous need for passionate individuals. The collaboration with the SME Education Foundation, particularly through its PRIME Schools initiative, has been instrumental in amplifying educational endeavors at Stratasys. Roitenberg considers this partnership "probably the best thing Stratasys has done in the last 10 years in terms of education," attributing its success to providing a structured framework. This synergy has allowed them to both enhance the student experience and "empower the educators to understand technology." Fostering "Engineering Immersion" in Classrooms The impact of Stratasys' commitment is tangible in classrooms across the country. By placing advanced 3D printing technology directly into schools, they are fostering what Roitenberg calls "engineering immersion." He noted the increasing prevalence of 3D printing in student competitions like First Robotics, SkillsUSA, and NASA Hunch, where students are now designing and producing “end-use parts” directly from printers. The fundamental shift, as Roitenberg observes, is that CAD is being introduced as early as fourth and fifth grade, with some schools making it mandatory by sixth. This early exposure, coupled with the ability to physically manufacture designs, transforms the learning experience. Luce highlighted this as a "multiplier effect," where students, previously disengaged, come home excited, eager to show off what they’ve created. Roitenberg passionately articulated this desire for immersion, where students are "engulfed in it so they're not only learning the concepts but acting on them, failing, iterating." This hands-on, iterative process is crucial for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills vital for future innovators. Nurturing Talent Through Scholarships The partnership between Stratasys and the SME Education Foundation has evolved considerably over time, moving beyond simply placing equipment to creating comprehensive programs that nurture talent. A significant recent addition to this collaboration is the Stratasys scholarship. Roitenberg recounted the swift and enthusiastic response from Stratasys CEO, Yoav Zeif, when presented with the idea of a scholarship for students pursuing manufacturing engineering. Zeif's immediate approval, within five minutes, underscored the deep corporate commitment to education. "Our CEO, Yoav Zeif, believes education is the key to our success," Roitenberg said, explaining that this belief extends from the student level to the industrial level, where underutilized technologies can be maximized through a deeper understanding of their capabilities. The scholarship, now in its third year, directly impacts students by providing financial assistance, a testament to the tangible results of this partnership. Roitenberg expressed his desire to expand the scholarship, a sentiment met with enthusiasm by Luce, who described it as "music to my ears." The Thrill of Competition: SkillsUSA Additive Manufacturing A key component of their decade-long collaboration has been the additive manufacturing competition at SkillsUSA. Luce praised the energy, work, and passion that the Stratasys team brings to this event. Roitenberg, with a touch of humor, called it "psychotic" due to the intense dedication involved. He recalled the humble beginnings of the competition, starting as a demo 15 years ago, before evolving into a formal event within three years. The involvement of SME, approximately 10 to 11 years ago, was a turning point. What began with 10-15 teams has blossomed into an event featuring 50 teams and over 100 students, supported by numerous Stratasys printers and personnel, alongside high-level representation from SME. The scale and professionalism of the SkillsUSA additive manufacturing competition have significantly increased due to the joint efforts. Roitenberg candidly admitted that when it was just Stratasys, it was "rinky dink." However, "When SME got involved and partnered with us and started to put more behind it? We're getting better traction. We're getting better partnership. It's a bigger organization." Roitenberg described the team’s dedication as blood, sweat, and tears. “We're there till two in the morning. We're there at six in the morning, because we want to see the faces of those students when it's like, ‘Holy cow, I designed it yesterday, and now it's here in my hand!’” Luce agreed, saying, “It's energizing, I will say, to see the passion and just the motivation that the students bring to the competition. They are all in. They are locked in." Roitenberg echoed this sentiment, describing the competition as "one of my favorite weeks of the year," despite the demanding schedule. The opportunity to witness students' meticulous attention to detail and their excitement as their designs materialize is a profoundly rewarding experience. Preparing Educators With Additive Certifications Beyond the competitive arena, the partnership also focuses on equipping educators with the knowledge and confidence to integrate additive manufacturing into their curricula. Every SME PRIME School goes through the Stratasys additive manufacturing certification course, preparing instructors to offer this valuable certification in their classrooms. This training builds “customer confidence” and enables instructors, even those not from a manufacturing background, to confidently operate and troubleshoot printers and guide students in exploring a wider range of applications. “That's our CEO's whole ethos around this is we need to build their skills so they are confident. They understand the materials, the applications, the directions that they can go. It just opens up their mindset. It's not a one -trick pony—it's a Swiss Army knife.” Luce asked, “What can educators do to better inject additive manufacturing into their current technical education programs?” Roitenberg replied, “I think educators need to open up their mind to learning, right? Figuring out what's happening in the industry. Realizing what capabilities there are. If you're teaching additive, you can't just teach CAD and let them print. You’ve got to dive into the applications, the industries that are using it, the materials. Because there's so much out there.” Roitenberg also highlighted the power of an educator's passion, noting that "if you show passion and interest, it resonates with your students." Ultimately, getting students hands-on with printing, despite the initial cost, is invaluable. Igniting Passion Through Partnership The discussion between Luce and Roitenberg underscored a crucial truth: technology, particularly additive manufacturing, is a powerful hook for engaging the next generation in manufacturing. The ongoing partnership between Stratasys and the SME Education Foundation exemplifies a successful approach to addressing the workforce needs of tomorrow. Through scholarships, teacher training, and high-stakes competitions, they are not just teaching skills; they are igniting passions, fostering innovation, and building a robust pipeline of talent essential for the continued advancement of manufacturing. As Roitenberg succinctly put it, their partnership is "always and forever," ensuring a bright future for the industry. To learn more about the Foundation’s partnership with Stratasys, watch the full video below, or contact SME for more information.
