GE Additive Program grants for schools for 3D printing now open for 2018

Makers Empire’s US partner, Polar3D, is pleased to announce that GE Additive is now accepting applications from schools and colleges for the 2018 cycle of its Additive Education Program (AEP).

The deadline is February 28, 2018.

GE is investing $10 million over five years in educational programs to deliver Polar Cloud-enabled polymer 3D printers to primary and secondary schools and metal 3D printers to colleges and universities around the world. This support will be spread across the three categories:

1. Primary and secondary schools (ages 8-18)
GE is awarding schools and colleges Polar Cloud enabled 3D printers from Dremel, Flashforge and Ultimaker plus Polar Cloud curriculum from Makers Empire, BlocksCAD and STEAMtrax as well as materials, training and professional development.

2. University and College Program (ages 18+)
GE is awarding metal additive machines to selected colleges and universities around the world.

3. Discount Program
GE is awarding bulk discounts on Polar Cloud enabled 3D printers from Dremel, Flashforge and Ultimaker plus Polar Cloud curriculum from Makers Empire, BlocksCAD and STEAMtrax as well as materials, training and professional development.

This year’s program follows last year’s successful inaugural cycle. In 2017, more than 400 K-12 schools each received two Polar Cloud-enabled 3D printers and STEM curriculum incorporating design with additive manufacturing and professional development. Eight colleges and universities also received direct metal laser melting (DMLM) machines.

Read feedback from participating teachers below:

“It is estimated that 180,000 students worldwide now have access to 3D printers as a result of the Education Program,” says Jason Oliver, VP & 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.”

“GE’s AEP is already having a huge impact on student outcomes,” adds Greg LaLonde, CEO of Polar3D, which partners 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. It’s magical and fuels student interest in STEM.”

This year, the Program includes a new subsidy program that allows any organization or individual to apply for a subsidy to purchase Polar Cloud-enabled 3D printers and curricula on behalf of educational institutions. The Program also welcomes new supporters and sponsors including Autodesk, BlocksCAD, Dremel, Flashforge, SME, and Ultimaker.

For more information, visit www.ge.com/additive.

To apply to the AEP, check out our handy guide to the GE Additive Program 2018 and then complete the online application form.

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