The State of Missouri has awarded $9.1 million in its fiscal year 2025 budget to support a collaborative initiative between three higher education institutions aimed at modernizing the state’s manufacturing industry and developing its workforce.

“Missouri desperately needs more engineering and technical students educated in advanced manufacturing technology to address the employee shortage in this industry,” said Dr. Richard Billo, director of Missouri University of Science and Technology’s Kummer Institute Center for Advanced Manufacturing. “We are excited to collaborate with the state’s community colleges to improve the employee pipeline and help manufacturers stay globally competitive with innovative products and processes.”

The funding comes through the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development’s MoExcels Workforce Initiative. Missouri S&T will lead the project, titled “Bridging the Manufacturing Critical Skills Gap,” with partners East Central College (ECC) and St. Charles Community College (SCC).

Based on recommendations from an advisory board of manufacturing leaders, Missouri S&T will modernize its manufacturing curriculum and incorporate new technologies to better align its training with the needs of state manufacturers. The university will also offer manufacturing summer camps and professional development for K-12 teachers.

ECC will construct a Center for Advanced Manufacturing on its new Rolla campus, expected to open in late 2025. The facility will provide opportunities for short-term credentials, one-year certificates, and two-year degrees in manufacturing.

SCC will focus on K-12 outreach and developing curriculum related to emerging energy technologies, collaborating with S&T to streamline students’ progress from high school to industry roles.