JOHNSTOWN, PA – On Wednesday, August 21, representatives from the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), based in Johnstown, PA, presented a new 3D printer to Portage Area Elementary School on behalf of its program, America Makes, in collaboration with Ultimaker.
America Makes is the nation’s leading public-private partnership for additive manufacturing (AM) technology and education. Members from industry, academia, government, and workforce and economic development organizations work together to accelerate the adoption of AM and the nation’s global manufacturing competitiveness. Founded in 2012 as the Department of Defense’s national manufacturing innovation institute for AM and the first of the Manufacturing USA network, America Makes is based in Youngstown, OH, and managed by NCDMM.
Josh Cramer, NCDMM Director of Education and Workforce Development (EWD), explained that the partnership aims to increase awareness, inspire innovation, and
create entrepreneurial opportunities in 3D printing technology among students, diverse groups, and communities through the Institute’s “K through Grey” educational outreach.
With the donation of 24 Ultimaker printers, including the one provided to Portage Area Elementary School, students across the United States will have the tools to explore and push the boundaries of additive manufacturing as they learn, experiment, and innovate with 3D printing.
“The mission, vision, and goals of Portage Area Elementary School closely align with the outcomes we aim to achieve through our partnership with Ultimaker,” Cramer stated. “We are excited to welcome Portage School District to our AMNation as we support the school in advancing its additive manufacturing program and maintaining the deployment of America Makes resources. This initiative is made possible by the generosity of Ultimaker and their commitment to ensuring that young people have access to high-quality, rigorous programs.”
NCDMM and America Makes understand that today’s students are the future leaders and workforce in technology development. This program is another step in preparing them for careers in the additive manufacturing industry.
“When NCDMM established an office in Johnstown three years ago, we pledged to make a positive impact on our surrounding communities, and we’ve remained true to that promise,” said Jim Fisher, NCDMM Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “We deeply value our partnerships and are constantly seeking new opportunities to invest in our communities and the people who live here.”
Photo cutline: On August 21, NCDMM presented Portage Area Elementary School with a new Ultimaker 3D printer. Pictured from left is Heather Kmetz, NCDMM EWD Project Engineer; Molly Harrington, Computer/STEM Instructor, Portage Area Elementary Schools; and Scott Crynock, NCDMM Senior Project Engineer.