Feb 5, 2018 | By Tess
To mark the beginning of a new year, GE Additive, the 3D printing branch of american multinational GE, has opened the application process for the 2018 cycle of its Additive Education Program (AEP). Schools, colleges, and universities are invited to submit their applications for a chance to get a significant 3D printing-related investment from the company.
GE Additive first launched its AEP program in late 2016, when it announced that it would be investing $10 million over a five-year period to bolster 3D printing in the education sector. Some of the project's main goals are to install polymer-based 3D printers in primary and secondary schools and more sophisticated additive manufacturing equipment (such as metal 3D printers) at higher education institutions.
The program, which is accessible to schools from around the world, has already made an impact. So far, eight colleges and universities have been provided with direct metal laser melting (DMLM) printers, and over 400 schools have received a pair of Polar Cloud-enabled desktop 3D printers along with a STEM-inspired curriculum.
“GE’s AEP is already having a huge impact on student outcomes,” commented Greg LaLonde, CEO of Polar3D, which has partnered with GE Additive on the Program. “Eighty percent of the primary and secondary students in this inaugural class had never 3D printed before, and two-thirds had never used CAD. Now those same students are designing, programming, and bringing their own digital models to life as printed objects.”
In 2018, GE Additive is aiming to provide even more educational institutions with 3D printing technologies. In addition to its investment program for schools, GE is also implementing a new subsidy initiative which will enable any individual or organization to submit an application for the AEP program, so long as they use the subsidy to provide an educational institution with the 3D printer.
“It is estimated that 180,000 students worldwide now have access to 3D printers as a result of the Education Program,” said Jason Oliver, VP and CEO of GE Additive. “We are excited to continue the program in 2018 and give students across all grades exposure to additive manufacturing. This will help promote interest in STEM and create a pipeline of qualified engineers and technicians to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing.”
Interested applicants can find more information here. The final deadline for GE’s Additive Education Program for this cycle is February 28, 2018.
Posted in 3D Printer Company
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