Global program to date has donated over 1,400 polymer 3D printers to 1,000 schools in 30 countries, providing access to technology and curriculum to more than 500,000 students

GE Additive has announced it is now accepting applications from primary and secondary schools for the 2019/2020 cycle of its Additive Education Program (AEP). Online applications can be made from today at https://geaep.polar3d.com. The deadline for applications is Monday 1 April 2019.

GE Additive has made a significant financial commitment over five years to invest in educational programs to deliver polymer 3D printers to primary and secondary schools and metal 3D printers to colleges and universities around the world. To date, the program has donated over 1,400 polymer 3D printers, to 1,000 schools in 30 countries, providing access to technology and curriculum to more than 500,000 students.

In 2018, the global program awarded polymer 3D printing packages to more than 600 primary and secondary schools in 30 countries. Each package includes hardware, software and science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) curriculum.

For K-12, primary and secondary schools, the program aims to build an ecosystem for 3D printing in education by networking students, machines and content via an online platform, the Polar Cloud.

Educators and student from participating schools join the Polar Cloud to access tools, software and applications in a collaborative and secure environment. Packages awarded include a Polar Cloud premium account, a Polar Cloud enabled 3D printer from Dremel, Flashforge or Monoprice, rolls of filament, and new for the 2019/2020 cycle, a range of learning and Tinkercad software resources from Autodesk.

“An inquisitive student, discovering additive for the first time, formed the heart of our recent ‘Anything Factory’ brand campaign. The purpose of our education program is to create moments like that, to inspire students like her, in classrooms all around the world. The sooner we put additive technology in the hands of the next generation of engineers, materials scientists and chemists, the sooner we can realize its potential,” said Jason Oliver, President & CEO, GE Additive.

“This year’s education program will focus only on primary and secondary schools. The original purpose of our program is to accelerate awareness and education of 3D printing among students – building a pipeline of talent that understands 3D design and printing when they enter the workplace. We already enjoy some wonderful working relationships with universities and colleges, so this year we have decided to focus our efforts on younger students,” Oliver added.
www.ge.com

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