Who can apply for the grant: 
Junior high and high schools throughout the Greater St. Louis region are encouraged to apply, including schools in Metro St. Louis, Southern Illinois and surrounding communities.
Schools must identify a current St. Louis Chapter NTMA member company to serve as their sponsor. The sponsor is not responsible for funding the grant—the goal is to create a connection between the school and a local manufacturer. We want these partnerships to extend beyond the grant itself. By connecting schools with area manufacturers, we hope to build lasting relationships that create opportunities for students through shop tours, classroom demonstrations, Manufacturing Day activities, career exploration and other hands-on experiences. Don't have an NTMA member connection yet? Reach out to us and we'll help make an introduction.

How much funding is available?
The Chapter has set aside $15,000 annually to support these grants. We encourage requests between $1,000 and $2,500; however, there are no set funding limits. Applications for both smaller and larger amounts are welcome and will be reviewed based on the project and its potential impact.

What can grant funds be used for?
Grants are intentionally flexible and may be used to start, strengthen or expand programs that introduce junior high and high school students to precision machining and related manufacturing careers. Funding may support equipment, tooling, repairs, measurement instruments, materials, software, curriculum, instructor training, student projects or a portion of a larger purchase. If you have an idea that gets students closer to hands-on precision manufacturing, we encourage you to apply.

Examples, but not limited to: 

• Precision measurement kits — micrometers, calipers, indicators, gauge blocks, height gauges, surface plates, etc.
• Machine tooling and accessories — vises, collets, chucks, tool holders, end mills, drills, inserts, taps, dies and cutting tools.
• Repairing existing equipment — getting an unused mill, lathe, CNC machine, saw or grinder operational again.
• CNC upgrades — replacement controls/components, tooling, workholding or accessories that make an existing machine usable for students.
• Benchtop machines — small mills, lathes, drill presses, grinders or saws, with the grant covering all or part of the purchase.
• CAD/CAM equipment — computers, monitors, software licenses or peripherals needed to teach design-to-manufacturing.
• Classroom machining simulators or trainers — particularly useful for junior high programs that aren't ready for full-size equipment.
• Blueprint-reading and shop-math materials — classroom kits, prints, training aids, gauges and hands-on activities.
• Student machining projects — raw aluminum/steel, tooling and consumables for students to actually manufacture parts rather than only learn theory.
• Manufacturing/STEM lab expansion — adding a machining component to an existing STEM, engineering, robotics or industrial-technology program.
• Robotics with a machining connection — funding the tools/equipment students use to manufacture their own robot components rather than purchasing everything pre-made.
• Safety equipment needed to launch a program — machine guards, safety glasses, shields, storage, ventilation or other items required before students can use machining equipment.
• Metrology stations — a dedicated inspection area where students learn how manufactured parts are measured against a print.
• Career exploration projects — materials for hands-on machining demonstrations, manufacturing career days or programs developed with a local NTMA shop.
• Competition expenses — materials, tooling or equipment needed for SkillsUSA or similar machining/manufacturing competitions.
• Instructor training — helping a teacher attend CNC, machining, CAD/CAM or precision-measurement training so the school can offer the curriculum.
• Program-startup packages — for example, $2,500 could provide a school's first set of measurement tools, basic tooling, raw material and curriculum resources.
• Matching funds for larger purchases — a school wants a $7,500 piece of equipment and has $5,000 available; NTMA provides the final $2,500 that gets the purchase across the finish line.