(From left) Steve Loser, Director PK-12 Initiatives; Brandon Cloud, Director of Career and Technical Education; Kelley Stacy, President and CEO, SMC Corporation of America; Hannah Morrison, Manager, Corporate Communications, SMC Corporation of America; and Brian Clawson, HSE Precision Machining Instructor. (Photo provided by HSE Schools)
Posted By: The Reporter April 28, 2026
Submitted
Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools was recognized as a regional leader in career-connected learning during the Invest Hamilton County 2026 State of the Workforce event and inaugural Champions of Opportunity Awards Ceremony, held last Friday, April 24 in Carmel.
Among the honors presented was the Innovative Pathway of the Year Award, which celebrates programs that go above and beyond to connect students with high-quality experiences through strong partnerships with employers, educators, and families.
HSE Schools received the award for its Precision Machining pathway, developed in partnership with SMC Corporation of America.
The program was created in response to a growing need for skilled workers in Precision Machining. With support from SMC, including the donation of three Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines valued at more than $155,000, students in the pathway can earn high school credit, Ivy Tech dual credit, and industry-recognized certifications.
Earlier this spring, the district celebrated the opening of the new machining lab with a ribbon cutting. Click here to watch how this innovative program is creating real-world opportunities for students.
Interest in the Precision Machining program continues to grow, with the first cohort of 11 students expanding to more than 80 already signed up for the 2026-27 school year.
“This award reflects the intentional work happening across our district to connect students with meaningful, real-world learning experiences,” HSE Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Matt Kegley said. “Programs like Precision Machining show what’s possible when educators and industry partners come together to create opportunities that prepare students for high-demand careers.”
The 2026 Innovative Pathway of the Year Award was accepted by Brandon Cloud, Director of Career and Technical Education, and Brian Clawson, HSE Precision Machining teacher, recognizing their leadership in launching and growing the program.
HSE Schools remains committed to expanding career-connected learning opportunities that prepare students for success beyond graduation.
About SMC Corporation of America
SMC Corporation of America, a subsidiary of SMC Corporation in Japan headquartered in Noblesville, is a comprehensive manufacturer of components for the Automation, Controls, and Process industries. With technical centers in Japan, the US, Europe, and China, our vision to be the global standard for sustainable automation is realized through partnering with our customers to discover opportunities for energy and resource savings by reducing overall compressed air and electrical consumption. Visit smcusa.com for more information.
