Success Story - Success Stories

The Scaling Transformative Advanced Manufacturing Pathways (STAMP), an initiative of the Illinois Manufacturing Association and Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University, expands equitable pathways to college and careers in advanced manufacturing across Illinois. Launched in 2022 with support from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Chicago Community Trust, STAMP works across seven regional partnerships that bring together community colleges, school districts, and employers to expand dual-credit opportunities, work-based learning, industry credentials, and College and Career Pathway Endorsements (CCPE), with a focus on access for underrepresented students, including young women.

The Challenge

Despite growing demand for advanced manufacturing talent, many students and families are unaware of opportunities in the field. Manufacturing careers are often viewed through an outdated lens, causing some students to overlook pathways leading to engineering and high-wage careers.

Schools and employers face barriers to expanding work-based learning opportunities. Insurance requirements, liability concerns, and labor regulations make it difficult to place students, particularly those under 18, in internships and hands-on experiences.

The Solution (The STAMP Approach)

Through regional stakeholder teams, STAMP implements structural adjustments and hands-on pathways to overcome these barriers.

Regional Alignment & Integration: School districts standardize curriculum and pathway experiences while leveraging community colleges and career centers to expand access to technical programs.

Creative Scheduling & Work-Based Learning: Regions like Western Cook County utilize spring break for 40-hour mini-internships that give students exposure while under the school’s liability insurance.

Industry Engagement: Advisory councils support curriculum alignment, educator professional learning, and communication between schools and employers to ensure programs reflect workforce needs.

Measurable Impact & Success Metrics

As of May 2026, STAMP has demonstrated statewide impact:

• 9,963 students have participated in STAMP pathways.
• 5,350 are high-needs students, defined by free or reduced lunch eligibility, qualified census tracts, or disproportionately impacted areas, representing more than half of all students served.
• 950 students have earned industry credentials, including National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) and OSHA 10 certifications.

Regional Highlights

Elgin/Northern Kane County: Expanded CCPE to three of four districts, with District 300 tripling participation. All 11 manufacturing seniors at South Elgin High School earned an industry credential. Students also produced 106 prosthetic limb components shipped to Central and South America.

Northwest Suburbs: Graduated apprentices transitioned directly into full-time employment, associate degree programs at Harper College, or Department of Labor registered metal fabrication apprenticeships with the Boilermakers Union.

Peoria: Internship initiative has served about 150 students over nine years, sending more than 50 graduates into full-time production careers or collegiate internships. This prompted Caterpillar to sponsor a $500,000 robotic welding and manufacturing laboratory at the Woodruff Career and Technical Center.

Western Cook County: Implemented a standardized six-week summer manufacturing program with continuous employer engagement, moving multiple seniors into full-time manufacturing roles with defined career pathways.

Employer Feedback

A recent STAMP survey shows strong employer commitment to student success, including structured onboarding, mentorship, and clear workplace expectations. One employer noted its apprenticeship program is an important part of its business model.

Next Steps & Sustainability

STAMP communities are focused on:

• Increasing completion for manufacturing endorsements
• Improving alignment between credentials and student information systems
• Expanding middle school outreach and summer career exploration
• Enhancing offerings in automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies

To learn more, watch the Manufacturing Pathways Showcase recording