This forum supports the work being done to develop the first SME meeting on manufacturing education strategies in a decade. The event is scheduled, June 26 and 27, 2008 hosted by Robert Morris University, Pittsburgh, PA. At this event invited delegates will examine key issues for post-secondary learning in manufacturing for the 21st century. The event will assess progress and changes in manufacturing education since the landmark “Curriculum 2002” workshop held in 1994 that laid crucial groundwork for a) widespread improvement in both content and access and b) a future comprehensive conference on manufacturing education. Key objectives of the event are ... illuminating critical linkages among manufacturing education, a vibrant industrial sector and a healthy economy and ... development of guidance for vitalizing college and university manufacturing education programs. Invited keynote speakers will provide perspectives and challenges for delegates to deliberate. The principal business of the event will be conducted through a series of invited panels, discussing ... curriculum content; methods of delivery; emerging manufacturing technologies; research-to-instruction bridging; program design. The event will publish guidance for use by educators, administrators, industry planners, and public policy makers.
