Invest in the Workforce That Builds America’s Future
Why give to The J. Michael Bernard Memorial Scholarship for Advanced Manufacturing Careers?
The Foundation’s vision is to ensure the future of U.S. manufacturing by equipping the workforce with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to design, engineer, build, test, validate, and manufacture the next generation of products and technologies.
Our mission is to create new pathways for career and technical education nationwide—spanning elementary through postgraduate levels—by developing innovative tools, immersive learning environments, and equitable access to training. Through this work, the Foundation will prepare a workforce ready to thrive in a rapidly evolving, technology-infused manufacturing sector critical to U.S. economic growth and national security.
Impact
Skilled trades education can double an individual’s earning potential, increasing average wages from $25 per hour to $50 per hour.
Over a 20-year career, that single investment can generate more than $1,000,000 in additional lifetime earnings, creating lasting financial stability for individuals and their families.
When that same opportunity is extended to 100 students, the impact multiplies to over $100 million in additional lifetime earnings across their careers. This collective gain strengthens families, communities, and the skilled workforce that U.S. manufacturing depends on.
Donation options:
Your support removes financial barriers for future manufacturing leaders.
One-time, Monthly, Corporate, Legacy gifts, Employer matching gifts
LIFT Education Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of your gift.
About
The J. Michael Bernard Memorial Scholarship for Advanced Manufacturing Careers was established to honor the life and legacy of Mike Bernard—a respected leader, trusted advisor, to LIFT and the broader manufacturing community.
For more than a decade, Mike served as Corporate Secretary and external counsel to the ALMMII Board of Directors, later expanding his role as a Director and leader of the Nominations & Governance Committee. Known for his integrity, thoughtful guidance, and unwavering professionalism, he was a steady and trusted voice whose impact extended across LIFT, the City of Detroit, the State of Michigan, and beyond.
This scholarship reflects his deep commitment to leadership, service, and the future of American manufacturing—supporting the next generation of students pursuing careers in advanced manufacturing and skilled trades.
J. Michael Bernard, Dedicated LIFT Board Member
The LIFT Education Foundation was established by the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute (ALMMII) as a Michigan-based nonprofit organization to ensure the U.S. manufacturing workforce has the skills and aptitude to design, engineer, build, test, and manufacture at scale the next generations of products and technologies that will drive the future of the U.S. economy and national security.