Manufacturing USA’s network of institutes was proud to join educators and future workers at the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Diversity in STEM Conference, which was held from October 31 to November 2, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona. As the largest multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM conference in the country, the event supports underrepresented STEM professionals, institutions, and students and is a unique opportunity for the network.
A pillar of Manufacturing USA is preparing current and future workers for technical, high-quality jobs being created within advanced manufacturing. At SACNAS 2025, education and workforce development leads from across the Manufacturing USA network were able to connect their workforce programs to both students looking for future careers and educators who aim to support career pathways within advanced manufacturing.
Education and Workforce leaders from IACMI - The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, EPIXC - Electrified Processes for Industry without Carbon, PowerAmerica, NIIMBL - National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals, the NIST Office of Advanced Manufacturing, and agency partners connected with SACNAS attendees through several events. The team showcased the education and workforce development programs offered across the entire network and at each institute. Programs aimed at highlighting careers in advanced manufacturing, such as Modern Makers were highlighted. NIIMBL, sponsored by the Department of Commerce, exhibited to promote its workforce initiatives, such as NIIMBL eXperience. The engagement with future professionals was both productive and meaningful as it helped to broaden the talent pipeline.
In addition to working directly with attendees, Manufacturing USA representatives participated in two panels during the conference:
- STEM Career Pathways: Industry and Advanced Manufacturing A panel discussion that brought together STEM career experts from across the advanced manufacturing landscape to highlight the breadth of careers for STEM students in industry, provide information about advanced manufacturing careers, and how to connect attendees' passions to STEM careers in the industry.
- Fostering a Culture of Belonging and a Diverse Workforce at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) A NIST staff-supported session focused on advanced manufacturing and discussed a range of programs aimed at fostering an inclusive culture and hiring practices.
The SACNAS 2024 Conference stands out as a crosscutting event that supports the broader advanced manufacturing ecosystem. The conference is immersed in culture, featuring a mariachi band, Native American greetings from speakers, and events like a Powwow and Pachanga. This vibrant atmosphere encouraged attendees to embrace their identities, fostering open conversations between students and professionals. The Manufacturing USA EWD team engaged with conference attendees, helping to connect various career paths and education programs from across the network to the groups in attendance. Additionally, the student poster sessions provided outstanding research across diverse fields such as AI, biotechnology, environmental science, engineering, and data analytics, all of which benefit advanced manufacturing.
SACNAS offered a meaningful platform that effectively aligned diversity values with initiatives in manufacturing education and workforce recruitment. This event not only highlighted the importance of inclusive practices but also facilitated connections between underserved groups and opportunities within the manufacturing sector, ultimately fostering a richer and more diverse talent pool in the industry.