The 3D printers help the program raise interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers for at-risk youth. Stratasys says one-half of the 3D printers have shipped to DoD STARBASE, and it expects the remainder to ship before the end of February.
The Stratasys announcement comes less than two weeks after the Commerce Department issued a report calling for investment in STEM education. The report says investment in STEM is needed to help the U.S. regain its lead in innovation, which will help fuel economic growth.
“Engineering is a vital part of our nation’s hopeful future,” says DoD STARBASE RAC and co-founder Barbara Koscak. “We need to instill the concept of engineering early in a child’s education.”
“3D printing, also called rapid prototyping, has become a key component of many science and technology curricula across schools nationwide,” says Stratasys education manager Jesse Roitenberg. “Students apply the knowledge they learn in the classroom to real-life models. When they can actually see, hold and touch the results of their work, it’s a very powerful lesson. Looking at the STARBASE curriculum, they’re light years ahead.”