1. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
(STEM) Learning Exchange
Manufacturing Career Cluster includes: product and process development and managing and
performing the processing of materials into intermediate or final products and related support
activities.
The manufacturing sector comprises establishments engaged in the mechanical, physical, or chemical
transformation of materials, substances, or components into new products. Establishments in this sector are
often described as plants, factories, or mills. The major manufacturing sectors in Illinois are chemical;
pharmaceutical and medicine; computer and electronic products; food; machinery; transportation equipment;
printing and steel.
Career Pathways
 Manufacturing Production Process Development
 Production
 Automation
 Logistics and Inventory Control
Highlights
 The Manufacturing sector is a significant contributor to the Illinois economy and employment picture.
 Manufacturing is projected to provide 8.6 percent of the total employment in the state thru 2018.
 Many job openings will result from the need to replace experienced manufacturing workers who retire.
 Most manufacturing occupations have annual median wage rates higher than the average in other
sectors.
September 20, 2013

2. STEM Learning Exchanges have been formed for selected career clusters to improve the
coordination and delivery of resources, work-based learning opportunities, career
guidance, and partnerships that support local STEM programs.
Illinois Pathways is supporting the launch of new and innovative public-private partnerships known as
STEM Learning Exchanges. A separate Learning Exchange will be launched in each of the identified
STEM areas and will have a lead entity that coordinates a statewide network of businesses, employer
associations, education partners, and other stakeholders. These networks will be launched using Race to
the Top funding, but will be supported by investments and commitments from public-private partners. The
Manufacturing STEM Learning Exchange will be provided with implementation funds for three years to
begin coordinating and delivering supports for their career cluster.
Manufacturing STEM Learning Exchange Implementation Lead Organization:
Illinois Manufacturers Association Education Foundation
Jim Nelson / 217-522-1240, ext. 4211 / jnelson@ima-net.org
The IMA Education Foundation was created to exclusively foster and promote vocational, educational,
charitable and scientific interests including activities which foster accountability, freedom of choice,
incentives for students and teachers, and excellence in pre-employment education. Its parent organization,
the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, has a long and widely respected history of leadership in advocacy
for manufacturers as well as significant experience in the administration of state and federal grants.
The Illinois Manufacturers' Association Education Foundation, as the designated lead entity for the
Manufacturing STEM Learning Exchange, is in the process of raising $430,000 in matching cash from
private sector entities by the end of this calendar year. Committed in-kind contributions, including student
internships, are valued at over $200,000. The Manufacturing Learning Exchange will integrate resources
from industry, educators, and professional associations to:
 Encourage e-learning by establishing a web-based library that will compile learning materials from a
broad variety of national, regional, and local partners.
 Use regional networks to expand meaningful internships at local manufacturing plants.
 Develop externships for high school and community college teachers to ensure that technologies
and processes being taught in the classroom are those used in manufacturing today.
* All applications for lead organizations are subject to change pending negotiations with the Illinois State Board of Education.
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Illinois State Board of Education
Illinois Community College Board
Illinois Board of Higher Education
Illinois Student Assistance Commission
Illinois Department of Employment Security