LIFT Launches Education Foundation to Expand Access to Advanced Manufacturing Careers

DETROIT – LIFT, the Department of Defense-supported national advanced materials and manufacturing innovation institute, today announced the launch of the LIFT Education Foundation, a new nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to education and career pathways in advanced manufacturing.

The Detroit-based 501(c)(3), operated by the American Lightweight Materials Innovation Institute (ALMMII), will provide scholarships and support to students pursuing careers in one of the nation’s most critical and fast-growing sectors.

As part of its inaugural year, the foundation is now accepting applications for the J. Michael Bernard Memorial Scholarship for Advanced Manufacturing Careers. In 2026, the program will award 25 scholarships of $1,000 each to high school seniors enrolling in advanced manufacturing programs at community colleges, technical schools, and universities.

The new scholarships are named after the late J. Michael Bernard a former member of the ALMMII Board of Directors and advocate for youth and educational opportunities particularly in advanced manufacturing. He served in his role with LIFT for more than a decade.

“The future of American manufacturing depends on the strength of our workforce pipeline,” said Dr. Robert Shaner, Chief Workforce Development Officer at LIFT. “Our nation’s students have the talent and ambition to lead that future, but too many face financial barriers to education. To that end, Mike Bernard recognized that and was a champion for creating and developing pathways for all students to achieve their goals and we are proud to name these scholarships in honor of his work. The LIFT Education Foundation is designed to continue the work that Mike Bernard so loved by removing barriers and connect students to meaningful, high-impact careers.”

The foundation aims to create more accessible pathways into advanced manufacturing by providing not only financial support, but also a clearer roadmap for students to pursue training, credentials, and long-term careers in the field.

Applications are open now at www.lifteducationfoundation.org and must be submitted by April 30 at 11:59 p.m. Applicants will be asked to complete short essays outlining their career interests and goals in advanced manufacturing, along with a teacher recommendation. Scholarship recipients will be announced on or around June 1.

About LIFT
LIFT, operated by the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute, is the Detroit-based, public-private partnership between the Department of Defense, industry, and academia, committed to the development and deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies, and implementing talent development initiatives to better prepare the workforce today and in the future. LIFT funded in part by the Department of Defense with management through the Office of Naval Research. Visit https://lift.technology/or follow on LinkedIn at LIFT or on Twitter @NewsFromLIFT to learn more.