D-M-E donates $20,000 for scholarships

In an effort to bolster the ranks of workers in the tooling industry, tooling components supplier D-M-E Co. has launched two scholarship programs.

The Madison Heights, Mich.-based company has set aside $20,000 for 20 $1,000 scholarships.

The first program is designed for students in two- or four-year colleges, and the second is for continuing education programs for workers at D-M-E’s customers.

According to D-M-E, toolmakers and molders are worried there are not enough people training for work in the plastics industry to replace the current generation of employees headed toward retirement. “The boomer are retiring. Students are shying way from manufacturing disciplines. Clearly, the plastics industry is facing a major human resources challenge,” the company said.

Half of the funds are set for students already enrolled in a plastics program in college. Applicants in related fields also can apply if they show an academic focus and interest in applying their education to the plastics industry.

The continuing education fund, meanwhile, is open to employees of D-M-E customers and also will provide $1,000 scholarships to send existing workers to training programs.

Application forms and additional information are available at www.dme.net/education.