Open source 3D printer manufacturer Ultimaker has announced that it is now a sponsor and supplier to the GE Additive Education Program (AEP). Schools can apply for subsidies from General Electric towards 3D printing.
General Electric is helping future engineers, makers and scientists thrive with their GE Additive Education Program (AEP). The American has been gobbling up 3D printing companies over the years as it secures its future in the industry, and is now investing in people with USD $2-million set aside to subsidize desktop polymer printers in primary and second schools around the world.
Helping out with this mission is 3D printer manufacturer, Ultimaker who just joined GE’s AEP. The company announced that it will be a sponsor and supplier.
“We are thrilled to have been asked and excited to participate in helping GE provide schools around the world with access to 3D printers,” stated John Kawola, President, Ultimaker North America.
Schools with a strong commitment to Science, Technology, Education and Math (STEM) education teaching students in the 8 to 18 age group will receive priority in the program, which is now in its second year.
Packages supplied by the GE AEP will include Polar Cloud-enabled polymer printers, professional training and educational modules. GE is now taking applications from schools.
General Electric AEP Includes Ultimaker
Essentially, the AEP hopes to nurture and develop future talent in additive manufacturing. Ultimaker adds that they share this passion and goal with GE.
Polar 3D’s Polar Cloud platform serves as an important resource in the program, offering simplified cloud-based processing of 3D models and printer operation.
“As we enter year two of the AEP, we have seen the benefits of enabling schools with additive technologies. Students are learning at a young age to use digital tools to help boost creativity and productivity, and to prepare themselves for the quickly-changing workplace… Ultimaker has a proven track record of making 3D printing affordable and accessible across broad bands of education and professional settings, and we’re proud to have them join the effort,” stated Greg LaLonde, President, Polar 3D.
Of course, as well as being involved with the AEP, Ultimaker has its own initiative, the Pioneer Program which launched last year. This program involves providing lesson plans, projects and content for educators who can then share ideas within the community.
Impressively, this program now has over 100 global members and we’ve seen some of the results. For example, Ultimaker has helped one teacher inspire STEM students with bottle rockets and aided university students with printing liver models.
Interested in finding out more? You can apply as a school to participate by visiting the GE AEP website.
Source: PR Newswire
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