A new partnership between Hamilton Southeastern Schools and SMC Corporation of America is opening the door to high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing for local students.
The collaboration, announced this week, includes the donation of three Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines valued at more than $155,000. The equipment will be used by students at Hamilton Southeastern High School to gain hands-on experience in precision engineering, fabrication, and machining.
School officials say the investment is part of a broader effort to better align classroom learning with workforce needs in a region where advanced manufacturing continues to grow.
Within a 10-mile radius of HSE campuses, three advanced manufacturing companies generate a combined $6.3 billion in annual revenue. Despite that economic impact, there remains a growing demand for skilled workers trained in precision machining and related fields.
“This partnership is a powerful example of what’s possible when education and industry come together with a shared purpose,” said interim superintendent Dr. Matt Kegley in a statement. “Students are gaining hands-on experience, earning valuable credentials, and seeing a clear connection between what they learn in school and the opportunities ahead.”
The new CNC machines will enhance the district’s precision machining program, a two- to three-year course sequence designed to mirror industry standards. Students enrolled in the program can earn up to 48 college credits through Ivy Tech Community College, along with industry-recognized certifications from organizations such as the National Institute for Metalworking Skills and the American Welding Society.
In addition to classroom instruction, students will have opportunities to participate in capstone experiences, including paid internships with SMC.
“By providing students with modernized CNC equipment, we’re helping them gain hands-on experience in precision engineering and machining—skills that are in high demand,” said Kelley Stacy, president and CEO of SMC Corporation of America. “Partnerships like this are key to connecting students with real-world opportunities and ensuring our region continues to thrive.”
Courses supported through the program include Principles of Precision Machining, Precision Machining Fundamentals, Advanced Precision Machining, and a capstone course focused on CNC programming, machine setup, and manufacturing processes.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony and student demonstrations are scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday, March 23 at Hamilton Southeastern High School, located at 12499 Olio Road in Fishers. School officials say the event will showcase the new equipment and highlight how students are preparing for careers in high-wage, high-skill fields.
The partnership reflects a growing emphasis on career-focused education, aimed at strengthening the local workforce while providing students with clear pathways from the classroom to employment.