State of Michigan and LIFT Expand High School Advanced Manufacturing Curriculum

Institute’s IGNITE: Mastering Manufacturing program set to launch in Delton and Troy

Troy/Kalamazoo, Mich. –  In an effort to equip Michigan students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the rapidly evolving world of advanced manufacturing, the State of Michigan and LIFT, the Department of Defense-supported national manufacturing innovation institute, and the Michigan Manufacturers Association are partnering to launch the IGNITE: Mastering Manufacturing curriculum in two high schools: Troy Athens and Delton Kellogg. The program will debut during the 2025–26 school year.

Funded through a $1 million appropriation from the state legislature in 2024, the pilot program brings cutting-edge curriculum and equipment to students in an effort to strengthen Michigan’s pipeline of skilled talent in high-demand technical careers.

“At a time when Michigan’s manufacturing economy is rapidly transforming, it is essential that our education system evolves to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s workforce,” said Nigel Francis, CEO and Executive Director of LIFT. “IGNITE is about giving students access to real-world learning that opens doors to sustainable, high-tech careers in manufacturing.”

Why IGNITE Is Needed Now More Than Ever
Michigan, a historic manufacturing hub, now faces a critical skills gap as employers seek a new generation of workers who are both technically trained and adaptable to new technologies. IGNITE directly addresses this need by giving high school students a head start on careers in advanced manufacturing while supporting their academic growth in math, science, and problem solving.
Michigan, a historic manufacturing hub, now faces a critical skills gap as employers seek a new generation of workers who are both technically trained and adaptable to new technologies. IGNITE directly addresses this need by giving high school students a head start on careers in advanced manufacturing while supporting their academic growth in math, science, and problem solving.

“This is more than a manufacturing class—it’s an educational experience that integrates technical training with core academic subjects,” said Jim Hogoboom, Principal at Delton Kellogg High School. “We are excited to provide our students with this opportunity to prepare for high-wage, high-demand careers while still in high school.”

An Innovative, Holistic Curriculum
IGNITE: Mastering Manufacturing is built around three integrated components:

1. Materials Science: Students explore the properties and applications of advanced materials through modules embedded in both technical and core academic subjects.
2. Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Processes: Interactive multimedia learning and virtual simulations bring manufacturing systems to life through three foundational courses.
3. Capstone Projects: In their final year, students apply their knowledge in team-based projects that solve real-world manufacturing problems using emerging technologies.

Each course also incorporates Common Employability Skills—such as teamwork, communication, and critical thinking—ensuring students are ready to thrive in any career path.

“The IGNITE curriculum allows students to learn by doing, and that hands-on approach makes learning more meaningful and impactful,” said Mike Munaco, Career and Technical Education Director at Troy Public Schools. “We are proud to be among the first in the state to offer it.”

Building a Future-Ready Workforce
Originally developed in 2018 with input from industry leaders and funding from the Department of Defense, IGNITE has already served more than 37,000 students nationwide. Its arrival in Michigan is both timely and necessary.

“The manufacturing industry is evolving quickly, and employers need people with talent and a high level understanding of advanced technology and systems,” said John Walsh, President and CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association. “IGNITE prepares students for the future with rewarding careers in advanced manufacturing.”

As advanced manufacturing increasingly relies on digital tools, customized production, and data-driven processes, IGNITE ensures that students are prepared to be at the forefront of innovation and economic growth.

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.