Program Terms & Conditions

The following outlines general terms and conditions applicable to individuals who engage with or participate in the Production and Management Institute (PMI) programs. We have done our best to describe program guidelines and conditions within the following overview and throughout the website. However, should you have any questions, please contact us at: support@manufacturinginstitute.net.

 

Below are general terms, conditions, and guidelines for applying to and participating in the Institute program, which are subject to change without notice.

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• Applicability of Terms: The following terms and conditions apply as legally enforceable to all program "participants" that include, but are not limited to, applicants, participants, volunteers, employees, parents/guardians, teachers, school administrators, representatives, mentors, visitors, company representatives, sponsors, ambassadors, or others engaged or affiliated with the Production & Manufacturing Institute ("PMI", "The Institute", "Institute", "Manufacturing Institute") or any of its programs. This may include, but is not limited to, summer programs and year-round programs offered and sponsored. 

• Agree to Terms: By submitting an application and/or submitting subsequent agreements, documents, or other acknowledgements, participants agree to abide by all terms and conditions listed herein.

  • Applicants under the age of 18 agree to the terms and conditions of behavior, performance, and all applicable terms and conditions as allowable within these provisions. ​

  • For applicants under 13, parents/guardians agree to complete all required information and to comply with all applicable and allowable terms and conditions.

  • All parents/guardians agree to all terms and conditions as outlined herein. Additional forms will be provided upon acceptance and must be signed by the parent/guardian for program admission. 

• Parental Acknowledgement & Permission to Participate: Participants and parents/guardians acknowledge their permission to fully participate in the respective program for which the application is submitted. 

• Application to Non-Student Participants: All non-student participants, such as volunteers, sponsors, mentors, ambassadors, and teachers, also agree to abide by all terms and conditions listed herein by accepting to participate and/or engage in their respective capacities. 

• Program Eligibility: Summer program applications are available to students in various grades within K12 as follows:

  • Production & Manufacturing Institute - 3-Week Program: Applicants must be currently enrolled students in a recognized school program and will be entering grades 9-12 for the 2026-27 academic year. Students who will graduate by summer 2026 are not eligible. ​

  • Production & Manufacturing Institute - 1-Week Certificate Program: Applicants must be currently enrolled students in a recognized school program and will be entering grades 9-12 for the 2026-27 academic year. Students who will graduate by summer 2026 are not eligible.

  • Tool Titans Academy - Middle School Program: Applicants must be currently enrolled students in a recognized school program and will be entering grades 6-8 for the 2026-27 academic year.

  • KidsWorkx - Grade School Program: Applicants must be currently enrolled students in a recognized school program and will be entering grades 4-5 for the 2026-27 academic year. 

  • One-Time Eligibility: Applicants and participants must be first-time candidates. Students may complete programs only ONCE. If we have space and capacity for repeat attendance, or if we offer an expanded program for prior completers, we may do so in the future. 

  • The Institute will evaluate applications against program-related criteria. The Executive Director makes final decisions. Any appeals or complaints related to decisions should be directed to the Executive Director for consideration. 

  • PMI reserves the right to evaluate applications and to select or reject any or all applications for any reason. 

• Application Review: We review applications as they are received. However, there is no guaranteed turnaround time. Applications may be accepted in any order and in accordance with any criteria deemed appropriate by PMI representatives, subject to program priorities.

• Commitments: PMI offers these programs at no direct cost to participants. Funding comes from generous sponsor donations on the students' behalf. We expect participants to honor their commitment to meet program expectations. If selected, participants and their parents agree to:

  • Complete and return all follow-up forms, assignments, and other tasks promptly as assigned after acceptance into the program (if accepted);​

  • Attend all program sessions. Given the program's short duration, attendance at all sessions is essential. Generally, absences are not allowed. Any necessary absence (full or partial) must be communicated to the onsite instructor before the absence and should be arranged only for emergencies. Unexcused or excessive absences may result in program dismissal. 

  • Attend the full session each day. There is a lot of learning that takes place each day - and during each part of each day. It is essential to attend each day in its entirety.

  • Have reliable transportation to and from the program location for on-time daily arrival and departure. Each location may have different requirements. Transportation to/from program locations is not necessarily provided.  We cannot provide care, oversight, or transportation outside program hours.

  • Be on time. We start and end on time, and participants must be there and ready to go.

  • Wear the designated program shirts that are provided. The "uniform" helps maintain a sense of group identity.

  • Follow instructions, act appropriately, conduct themselves safely, and respect others (especially the teachers and mentors).

  • Maintain a courteous and positive attitude, be willing to learn, and contribute to a collaborative team experience. 

• Safety: We strive to ensure a safe work environment for students. Safety training and guidance are core to what we do and a value we uphold. Students are required to do their part to ensure a safe learning and work environment. Participants agree to:

  • Follow all safety instructions, wear required protective equipment, and comply with facility rules. PMI may remove a participant from an activity (or the program) for unsafe behavior or failure to follow instructions, to protect all participants and staff.

  • Be safety-minded to avoid incidents, injuries, accidents, or any actions that could cause harm or damage to property or people. ​

  • Act and behave in a dignified manner that fosters a professional learning and working environment, free from harassment, discrimination, teasing, bullying, intimidation, ridicule, or inappropriate behavior.

  • Dress appropriately for a production work environment, comply with all rules, and wear required personal protective equipment.

  • Follow all safety rules and regulations as instructed, as posted in facilities, and/or as otherwise directed.

  • Complete all required safety, equipment, and other training before using any equipment or tools. 

  • Report all concerns and problems to the site instructor or an adult representative of PMI or the school promptly so they can be addressed appropriately.

  • Work harmoniously with other students, team members, adults, and others in the learning and work environments. When needed, collaborate with others to resolve concerns, clarify instructions, give and receive feedback, and manage conflict.

  • Accident reporting: Participants agree to report any injuries and accidents to program instructors or representatives immediately. This includes, but is not limited to, cuts, falls, strains, and other accidents and injuries, regardless of perceived severity.

  • Risk Acknowledgement: The applicant and parent/guardian understand the inherent risks of participating in this activity. Learning and activities are held in a shop environment and live-work environments. While precautions have been taken to ensure participant safety, no risk can be eliminated entirely.

• Additional Forms: Applicants understand that, if accepted, additional forms and work will be required to be completed before the course. Forms must be completed and returned by the stated deadlines. Any pre-course assignments, such as online learning modules, must be completed by designated deadlines. Failure to return forms and complete other requirements may result in rescission of program acceptance. 

• Medical Insurance Authorization: Applicants and their parents/guardians understand that they must have medical insurance in effect at the time of the program to cover any accidents or injuries that occur during the program. We will do our best to maintain a safe learning and working environment. However, if an accident occurs in the normal course of the program and requires on-site first aid beyond the scope of the student/parent's medical insurance, the student/parent must cover the costs. Proof of medical insurance will be required before the program. ​

• Program Transportation: The high school programs may include field trips from PMI locations to local businesses, with bus transportation provided by local school districts. Participants and their parents/guardians understand and agree to use only the transportation provided unless expressly approved. Students are not permitted to drive themselves to or from field trip locations. 

• Required Satisfactory Performance & Progress: PMI programs provide students with an opportunity to explore careers and pathways in manufacturing and the trades. We give a lot, and we expect a lot. When students do not meet expectations of behavior, performance, or attendance, we do our best to coach and enable their success. It's in our best interest to help them succeed. However, if they fail to respond, they will no longer be eligible to continue in the program.  The Institute, its designated teachers, representatives, and the Executive Director reserve the right to dismiss participants at any time and for any reason. Examples of behaviors or reasons for dismissal include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Absenteeism: In a short program, such as a 1-week or shorter program, even a day missed counts as a significant absence. In a 3-week program, a day is also noticeable. Some things are unavoidable. Even then, excessive absences may prevent completion of the program.​

  • Behavior: Behavior that does not align with PMI values is not acceptable. Examples include, but are not limited to, behavior that is unprofessional, discourteous, offensive, harassing, bullying, or otherwise inappropriate for a learning or work environment.

  • Performance: Continually failing to complete assignments, do their fair share as part of their team, etc.

  • Attitude: Continuous display through action or inaction, verbal or non-verbal, or other suggestion of disengagement, lack of desire to be a part of the program, negative impact on others, or other negativity that does not support a willingness to participate.

  • Teamwork: Teams are a critical part of the program. Those who refuse to work with their team (e.g., who want to "go it alone" and will not collaborate) are often asked to leave the program. Teamwork is critical in the workplace. 

  • PMI 3-Week Program: For those participating in the PMI 3-Week Program, all participants must successfully "pass" the initial first week to progress to the second and third weeks of the program.

• Program Delivery: PMI manages logistics and delivery for programs across multiple locations. However, it takes a coordinated effort of several teachers, mentors, volunteers, and staff to deliver a successful program. Some of these partners include the following: 

  • PMI Operations & Staff: The Production and Manufacturing Institute (“PMI”) oversees program logistics, coordination, facilities support, and participant experience. The Executive Director may develop curriculum, provide lectures, deliver general coaching and instruction, give guidance, and otherwise support students. The Director may also be involved in disciplinary decisions, including, but not limited to, corrective feedback, coaching, counseling, warnings, and dismissal. The Director makes the final decision on program dismissal, appeals, and program outcomes.

  • Instructional Providers: Instructional services may be provided by teachers contracted/employed by participating school districts. PMI staff generally do not provide instruction unless explicitly written for a specific activity.

  • Volunteers and Guest Speakers: Volunteers and guest speakers may include employees of sponsors, community members, and parents/guardians. Volunteers are supervised by PMI and/or program staff and may support activities, mentoring, and demonstrations. Volunteers are not acting as medical providers, counselors, or school employees unless explicitly identified as such.

• Participant Information & Privacy:

  • PMI collects participant and parent/guardian information (such as name, contact information, age/grade, emergency contacts, and participation records) to administer enrollment, communicate with participants and parents/guardians about the program, support safety and supervision, and document completion.

  • How we use information. PMI uses participant information only for purposes such as enrollment administration, program operations, safety planning, providing reasonable accommodations, communicating with participants/parents/guardians, documenting completion, coordinating CTE credit reporting (if applicable), responding to emergencies, providing career path opportunities through sponsors, and complying with legal obligations.

  • How we share information. PMI does not sell participant information. PMI may share participant information only with: (a) the partnering school district/education agency as needed to administer enrollment, attendance, and credit/completion reporting (if applicable); (b) service providers who assist PMI with operations (e.g., IT, forms, storage) under confidentiality and security obligations; (c) medical professionals, emergency responders, or others as necessary to protect a participant’s health or safety., and (d) sponsors and partner schools who may provide information and opportunities related to career pathways and opportunities. 

  • Education records (FERPA). To the extent PMI receives or maintains information on behalf of a school district/education agency that is considered an education record, PMI will use and protect that information only for authorized educational purposes and will not re-disclose it except as permitted by law and/or authorized by the district/agency or parent/eligible student. 

  • Health information (HIPAA). PMI is not a health care provider or health plan and is generally not subject to HIPAA; however, PMI treats health-related information provided to us as confidential, limits access to trained staff on a need-to-know basis, and uses it only for safety, accommodations, and emergency response purposes. 

  • Health-Related Information: PMI may request health-related information (e.g., allergies or conditions requiring accommodation) and limited insurance information for safety planning and emergency response. PMI will use and share health-related information only as described in our specific requests and with required consents.

  • School Credit / Education Records (If Applicable): If a participant is enrolled through a partnering school district for academic credit or credit equivalency, PMI may share enrollment, attendance, and completion status (including generalized pass/fail outcomes) with the district as needed to administer credit. To the extent PMI receives or maintains information on behalf of a school district that constitutes an education record, PMI will use and protect that information solely for authorized educational purposes and as directed by the district.

  • Security and retention. PMI uses reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect participant information and retains it only as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described above, unless a more extended retention period is required for legal, audit, or safety reasons. If a security incident occurs, PMI will provide notifications as required by applicable law. 

  • Questions. Contact us at support@manufacturinginstitute.net for questions or requests regarding participant information.

• Permission to Discuss Concerns: The applicant and parent/guardian consent to the instructor or representative discussing the student's progress, concerns, and related program information directly with the student.

• School District Rules: Participants agree to comply with the rules of the applicable school district (based on the participant’s assigned location) and all partner sites for activities and field trips.

• Program Independence: Participants understand that The Institute is an independent program run in collaboration with schools, sponsors, and other partners. It is not, however, a school program. While the Institute uses school facilities, participants are subject to independent rules and guidelines outside typical school district oversight.

• Non-Discrimination/Harassment: All parties assure compliance with state and federal guidelines and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and harassment involving any employee, volunteer, student, or other participant based on race, color, gender, religion, national origin, creed, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sensory/mental/physical disability, or other protected class.

• High School Credit: Participant understands the following:

  • At the time of this application, PMI has partnered with Spokane Public Schools and NewTech Skills Center to apply for .5 CTE credits through OSPI (the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction) for the 3-week Production & Management Institute program.​

  • If awarded, ONLY those who complete the entire 3-week Institute program shall be eligible to receive applicable credits. 

  • If awarded, eligibility for CTE credits will require separate enrollment through NewTech Skills Center. Additional information will be provided to those interested if (and when) the CTE credits are awarded for the 3-week program. 

  • If awarded, participants must complete the entire programto be eligible. No partial credit will be provided.

  • If awarded, CTE credit will be managed and awarded directly through the Skills Center (NOT PMI). Participants must work with their school counselors to arrange for credit transfer from the Skills Center after the program.

  • PMI does not directly manage the credit program. However, we will distribute information to participants of the 3-week program if (when) the program is awarded CTE credit approval. 

• Media Release: Participants understand that PMI may use their image in promotional and educational videos, print publications, online communications, and other promotional materials, as needed. These will be used to promote workforce development, primarily through K-12 programs. Additional forms will be provided upon program acceptance, allowing participants to opt out if desired.

• Rewards & Incentives: PMI offers several free tokens, incentives, and rewards for most programs. Different programs offer different incentives. Below are some of the guidelines.

  • Participants understand that they participate voluntarily in all Institute programs. Students specifically understand they are not employees of PMI. Other participants also understand they are not employees unless specifically designated as such in writing. 

  • Participant participation is "at will," meaning they or the Institute (or its representatives) can end the affiliation, relationship, or involvement at any time, for any reason. 

  • Participants may receive rewards, prizes, and materials for their participation at any time that may or may not be subject to taxation, which include, but may not be limited to, t-shirts, pens, bags, and other "swag." These products are intended for promotional use only and are not compensation for participation or performance. 

  • Participants in advanced programs (e.g., the 3-Week Institute Program) may be eligible for additional incentives, such as designated tools and products, that can support their career preparation. These products are provided through sponsorships and offered with no specified cash value, except for limited gift card options with a nominal face value. Incentives are not guaranteed, are not compensation for participation or performance, and may be discontinued at any time. 

  • Participants in advanced programs (e.g., the 3-Week Institute Program) may be eligible for cash stipends not to exceed currently allowable IRS limits. Stipends are not guaranteed, are not compensation for participation or performance, and may be discontinued at any time. 

  • Participants are encouraged to seek advice from tax professionals with any questions or concerns.​

• Indemnity: Unless otherwise disallowed by law, participants agree to indemnify and hold all parties associated with the Production and Manufacturing Institute harmless from any claims, injuries, damages, losses, or suits. This may include (but not be limited to) attorney fees and other costs arising from injuries and damages caused by each party’s negligence. All defense and settlement or proceedings arising out of the foregoing shall be borne by the Indemnifying Party at its sole expense only, regardless of whether the Indemnifying Party is successful in such actions. Under this agreement, the obligations of the Indemnifying Party shall remain in effect until the agreement is terminated.​​​​ 

  • In the event of any dispute arising under or in connection with this agreement, it shall be resolved initially through mediation.​

  • In the event of payment under this agreement, the indemnifying party shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of the indemnified party, who shall execute all documents required and shall perform all acts that may be vital for securing such rights, and for enabling the indemnified party effectively to litigate to enforce such rights. 

  • This agreement shall be enforced per the laws of the State of Washington.​

• Updates: ​Participants understand that these terms and conditions may be updated from time to time, either with or without notification. Participants are encouraged to review the terms and conditions regularly to ensure the most up-to-date information.

 

Should you have any questions, please email us at any time: support@manufacturinginstitute.net.