3D Systems and SME Announce Formation of M.Lab21 Advisory Board

3D Systems & SME announce the formation of advisory board for its M.Lab21 project that will provide leadership & advocate for AM.

3D printing, manufacturing, future, education, training, workforce3D Systems and SME  have announced the formation of an advisory board for its collaborative M.Lab21 Initiative, composed of founding members 3D Systems and SME and key collaborator, America Makes (the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute) as well as representatives and support from Intel, GE, Johnson Controls, Lockheed Martin, Deloitte and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The advisory committee will assist, support, provide leadership and advocate for the M.Lab21 initiative. Drawing on a wealth of expertise and resources, the advisory board will help shape this program and provide subject matter expertise and best practices as needed.

“We believe a culture of making, personal expression and innovation is essential to keeping the U.S. on the leading edge of education and stimulating economic activity,” said Carlos Contreras, US Education Director, Intel. “Whether challenging people to think differently or providing the technologies that can bring ideas to life, Intel supports the maker movement to encourage innovation whether in classrooms, labs or garage workshops.”

M.Lab21 is a 21st Century Manufacturing Lab that will revolutionize high school industrial arts, career and technical education. Through the formation of this influential advisory board, 3DS and SME will create an integrated ecosystem of hardware, software and training programs that, together, can foster a new digital literacy and empower the next generation with digital craftsmanship skills.

Equipped with 3D scanning, development boards, design, prototyping, manufacturing and accompanying curriculum, participating schools will have the tools and resources to provide students with the necessary skills for the advanced manufacturing and design jobs of tomorrow. The advisory board will also leverage their own spheres of influence to help build communities of liked-minded organizations, schools and employers.

“M.Lab21 is the latest commitment we are making to deliver 21st century technology skills to students through our Make.Digital initiative,” said Leanne Gluck, Director of Social Impact for 3DS. “Collaboratively, 3DS and SME invite teachers, educators, nonprofits and companies passionate about education, addressing the skills gap and advanced manufacturing workforce development to join our M.Lab21 initiative and help us drive innovation, technology and learning.”

“SME has been immersed in and supporting the additive manufacturing community for nearly 25 years, and working to accelerate the adoption of this technology across the manufacturing industry,” said Jeannine Kunz, managing director of workforce and education for SME. “We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with these industry advisors to drive awareness and education of additive manufacturing in U.S. high schools, and ultimately strengthen the next generation of the manufacturing workforce.”

Source: 3D Systems