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What is MEERA?

Preparing students for future careers in manufacturing.

The MEERA program is a turnkey K-12 manufacturing education program designed to inspire and train the next generation of the manufacturing workforce. Our mission is to present all students with the opportunity to see themselves in a vital career. By customizing solutions for each region, we help direct youth to educational and workplace opportunities in their community.

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MEERA is the catalyst to super-charge regional manufacturing workforce pipelines.

Your path to a career in manufacturing

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MEERA Middle School

6th – 8th Grade

MEERA for middle school is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and deepen understanding of manufacturing during one of the most critical phases of student development. Our implementation model integrates hands-on exploration, real world problem solving, and age appropriate technical skills that empower students to think more engineers, creators, and innovators.

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MEERA High School

MEERA for high school equips learners with advanced technical skills that prepare them for college, careers, and emerging industries. Building on foundational knowledge, the high school implementation focuses on deeper technical mastery, critical thinking, and industry-aligned competencies. Students engage in project-based learning, authentic engineering challenges, and meaningful career exploration that connects classroom learning to real-world pathways.

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University

Students may select to pursue a higher education degree after graduating high school or the completion of a dual enrollment program. The MEERA middle school and MEERA high school programs offers a variety of lessons that focus on topics that relate to engineering and design, and encourages students to explore all types of manufacturing, including careers that require a 4-year degree.

Ultimate Goal:

CAREER IN MANUFACTURING
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Starting early is
the key

Early exposure to manufacturing encourages deeper learning and greater awareness to exciting career opportunities. MEERA starts with middle school, using unique and engaging lab activities. All lessons and activities are designed for 45-minute class periods, with the 6th grade course lasting nine weeks and the 7th and 8th grade course lasting 18 weeks.

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MEERA for Middle School

Through structured lab experiences, collaborative challenges, and guided inquiry, middle school learners connect classroom concepts with practical applications. MEERA’s flexible curriculum supports diverse learning styles and seamlessly aligns with school schedules, ensuring an engaging and achievable pathway for both teachers and students. The result is an innovative learning environment where students develop the foundational skills needed for high school programs, career exploration, and beyond.

List of disciplines:

  • Additive Manufacturing
  • CNC Machining
  • Electronics
  • Future of Work
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Non-Destructive Testing
  • Robotics
  • Welding
  • Workplace Readiness

MEERA for High School

With flexible modules, robust teacher support, and opportunities for credentialing and portfolio development, MEERA empowers high school students to take ownership of their learning. The program transforms traditional classrooms into dynamic labs where students build confidence, capability, and a clear direction for their future.

List of disciplines:

  • Additive Manufacturing
  • CNC Machining
  • Electronics
  • Future of Work
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Non-Destructive Testing
  • Robotics
  • Welding
  • Workplace Readiness
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By incorporating hands-on experiences, MEERA makes complex and often intimidating subjects relatable, and even fun.

Megan Kotnik – MEERA Michigan

MEERA Instructor – Charles Hackley Middle School

The launch of Michigan’s first MEERA training center is a major step forward in expanding access to high-quality CTE experience and programs. By engaging middle school students, MEERA is opening doors to promising futures in fields like machining, welding, engineering and more. We are proud to support this effort and look forward to seeing MEERA grow across the state.

Celena A. Mills, Director

Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Career and Technical Education
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