News

Posted On: 02/01/2010

FMA receives Platinum Partner Award for support of new manufacturing and engineering high school

PlantServices.com

The Fabricator’s and Manufacturers Association, Int’l (FMA) received a ‘Platinum Partner Award’ in a dedication ceremony on Jan. 14 to honor its commitment and contributions to Austin Polytechnical Academy (APA), a manufacturing and engineering high school in the Chicago Public Schools.

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley thanks Jim Warren of the FMA for the association’s support of Austin Polytechnical Academy.

FMA funded a $20,000 grant request from the Chicago Manufacturing Renaissance Council (CMRC) to support APA’s FIRST Robotics Team, a summer manufacturing camp for youth, and the school’s new Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC), which opened recently.

Jim Warren, director of member services and education for the FMA, accepted the award on the association’s behalf. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley spoke at the ceremony, which included APA students, parents, and staff with the school’s industry partners and supporters, as well as local government and community leaders.

Following the presentation, tours of the school and new MTC were conducted. The MTC is a world class computer controlled equipment center for hands-on engineering practice. The new facility will offer students and community residents the opportunity to boost their resumes by earning nationally recognized manufacturing certifications from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills.

The FMA funds the administration costs of its foundation Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs, matches contributions given to it, and supports other groups like the APA. NBT offers grants to educational institutions introducing young people to careers in manufacturing through summer manufacturing camps, and issues scholarships to students at colleges and trade schools pursuing careers in manufacturing.