FAQ
Helping you understand what this exciting new chapter means for our students, schools, and partners.
1) General Overview
Q: Who is SME, and why did they acquire Milestone C?
A: SME is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing manufacturing and developing the workforce of the future. SME acquired Milestone C to expand its reach into K-12 education and strengthen early workforce development pathways. Milestone C’s proven experiential STEM programs perfectly complement SME’s deep connections with manufacturing and engineering industries.
Q: Why did Milestone C agree to this acquisition?
A: Milestone C has always been focused on inspiring and preparing students for real-world Tech/STEM AIcareers. Joining SME allows us to scale that mission and expand our impact by offering more resources, broader industry access, and a stronger support network for students, educators, and communities. It’s a natural next step in growing our impact.
Q: When did the acquisition take effect?
A: The acquisition was finalized on November 14, 2025.
Q: How will SME’s priorities influence our roadmap?
A: SME’s priorities align with our mission, and any roadmap updates will strengthen our programs, not replace them. Changes will be gradual and focused on expanding opportunities.
2) What This Means for Customers & Partners
Q: Will Milestone C programs change?
A: The heart of our programs — hands-on, project-based Tech/STEM learning — will remain the same. You’ll continue to see the same curriculum quality, instructors, and approach you trust. Over time, SME’s support will allow us to expand offerings, enhance technology and equipment, and bring in new real-world industry partnerships.
Q: Will pricing or contracts change for current school partners?
A: No immediate changes are planned. All existing contracts, program schedules, and commitments will be honored as agreed. Any future updates will be communicated well in advance and designed to enhance value for participating schools and students.
Q: Who should I contact if I’m already working with Milestone C?
A: Your existing Milestone C contacts remain the same. Our team continues to lead programs, training, and communication with partners.
Q: What does this mean for educators and school districts?
A: Educators will gain access to more resources, professional-development opportunities, and national connections through SME’s workforce development initiatives. This partnership enables more classroom-to-career pathways, mentorships, and exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing and engineering practices.
3) For Students & Families
Q: Will the student experience be different?
A: Students will continue to enjoy Milestone C’s engaging, hands-on learning — designing, building, coding, and problem-solving through real projects. Under SME, they’ll also benefit from expanded access to industry mentors, national competitions, and manufacturing-focused learning experiences.
Q: Will Milestone C’s name or branding change?
A: In the short term, Milestone C will continue operating under its existing brand. Over time, you’ll see a gradual alignment with SME’s branding to reflect our unified mission. The Milestone C name — and its reputation for quality STEM education — will remain a key part of the story.
Q: Are instructors and staff staying the same?
A: Yes. The same team that has built Milestone C’s programs will continue to teach, mentor, and develop new content. SME’s support allows us to invest even more in professional development and training for our educators.
Q: Will SME influence curriculum focus areas?
A: No immediate changes. Aviation, coding, AI, engineering, drones, and robotics remain core. SME may help us add new manufacturing-related content over time..
Q: Will there be a new LMS?
A: Not at this time. We will continue with the current LMS and evaluate improvements only if they enhance access or functionality.
Q: Will student data be handled differently?
A: No. All existing privacy and security standards remain in place. Any future changes will meet the same or higher compliance requirements.
Q: Will SME connect students to internships, apprenticeships, or credentials?
A: Over time, yes. SME’s national industry partners will create expanded career-connected opportunities as new pathways and programs are developed.
4) Looking Ahead
Q: How will this partnership benefit Connecticut and local communities?
A: Connecticut will remain a hub for Milestone C’s innovation and program development. SME’s national network will bring more resources, partnerships, and visibility to the region — creating new opportunities for local students, educators, schools, and industry.
Q: What new opportunities can we expect in the future?
A: The SME–Milestone C collaboration will lead to expanded K-12 programs, more direct industry engagement, new STEM challenges, and broader access to industry pathways for students across the U.S. Expect new pilot programs, educator workshops, and regional partnerships launching in the coming years.
Q: How can we stay informed about updates?
A: Updates will be shared on both the SME and Milestone C websites, newsletters, and social media channels. Schools and partners will receive direct communications about upcoming opportunities and program expansions.
Q: What’s the long-term vision?
A: Together, SME and Milestone C aim to create a national K-12 workforce development ecosystem — one where students can experience careers, industry and build authentic skills firsthand, and where educators have the tools and partnerships to inspire the next generation of innovators.
5) About the Organizations
About SME: SME is a national nonprofit organization advancing manufacturing, and providing workforce development to connect academia, companies, educators, and communities to advance innovation and development.
About Milestone C: Founded by engineers, Milestone C delivers experiential Tech/STEM education and career-connected learning for K-12 students. Its programs emphasize the engineering design process, teamwork, and real-world application — helping students gain both technical and professional skills for the future.