America Makes Completes Middle School Pilot Program

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – America Makes has completed a pilot program designed to acquaint middle school students with 3D printing and career opportunities in the field.

The virtual program allowed students to earn badges in additive manufacturing. It was funded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, through the CARES Act.

The middle school program aligns with previously developed programs that target high school students, post-secondary education students and workers. Together, these badge programs develop career and credential pathways.

“Exposing students to 3D printing must go well beyond the widget approach of a teacher downloading a file and giving it to the students  to send to a 3D printer,” said Josh Cramer, education and workforce development director for America Makes, in a statement. “Students need much more depth than this to take advantage of future 3D  printing career opportunities. They need instruction that engages them. These learning modules for middle school students do just that.”

The middle school pilot program was rolled out sat hools and Fab Labs in Santa Fe, N.M.; Tucson, Ariz.; Dayton, Ohio; Tulsa, Okla.; El Paso, Texas; and Denver.

For information on the program, visit AmericaMakes.us.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.