Mile Markers

IMTS' manufacturing initiative raises $13,000 for various STEM programs

Using proceeds from this year's Miles for Manufacturing (M4M) 5K Run/Walk fundraiser, IMTS awarded more than $13,000 to 14 STEM education programs, including FIRST Robotics teams, the Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation, and The Chicago Public Schools Children First Foundation, according to Catherine Ross, who reported on the event in a February 9 article on the IMTS website.

Established in 2014, M4M has raised more than $250,000 to date, per Ross, who added that "all goes directly to STEM programs around the country that prepare the next generation of innovators, makers, and problem solvers."

Schools and educational programs use donations to equip classrooms with the latest technology and equipment, offset fees and travel costs related to skills competitions, and support other purposes. 

IMTS covers every production expense for the M4M races — including shirts, timing equipment, permits, and staging — so 100% of sponsorship money, runner registration fees, and individual donations are invested in manufacturing education.