General Motors is providing a $500,000 grant to the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Educational Foundation to launch Manufacturing Futures, a new initiative connecting 2,800 Michigan middle school students each year with advanced manufacturing education and career pathways.

Manufacturing Futures builds on GM’s $50 million commitment to STEAM education in Michigan through 2030 and $160 million in corporate giving across the state over the past decade.

Headquartered in Detroit, GM’s impact in Michigan is significant. GM has invested $4 billion in its manufacturing footprint in Michigan since 2025, directly employs approximately 50,000 Michiganders across the state, and contributes $28 billion to the state’s GDP.

The grant is the latest example of GM’s long-term investment in Michigan students, communities, and the manufacturing workforce. It will be split between the Detroit Public Schools Community District and Dearborn Public Schools to support advanced manufacturing labs, classroom technology and hands-on learning across eight middle schools, connecting students with existing high-school career and technical education (CTE) programs. The initiative will launch this fall.

“Every student deserves the chance to chart a bright path toward the future. General Motors is proud to work with the AFT Educational Foundation to launch the Manufacturing Futures initiative and bring hands-on technology and manufacturing experiences to 2,800 Michigan middle school students each year,” said David Massaron, General Motors vice president of Infrastructure and Corporate Citizenship. “By connecting students to these highly valuable training and mentorship opportunities, we’re helping young people build the skills and confidence to shape what’s next for themselves and their communities.”

Manufacturing Futures will equip participating middle-school classrooms with tools such as 3D printers, robotic arms, and other hands-on manufacturing equipment. Students will also visit CTE high-school manufacturing facilities, meet CTE students and instructors, and learn about manufacturing careers, apprenticeships, and post-secondary options.

The initiative will include 24 paid high-school CTE student ambassadors who introduce younger students to manufacturing through classroom presentations and question-and-answer sessions. Family engagement nights will provide students and their families with facility tours, employer speakers and information about career pathways. The grant will also support a construction-trades classroom at Dearborn’s Michael Berry Career Center, adding equipment such as saws, drill presses, and related tools.