Georgia Tech selects 3D Systems for DARPA high school program

Rock Hill, SC--Georgia Tech and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have chosen 3D Systems to provide its 3D printers to select high schools across the U.S. This effort is a part of DARPA's Manufacturing Experimentation and Outreach (MENTOR) program, a four-year program designed to boost engineering skills in high school students and spark their interest in engineering, design, manufacturing, math, and science-related university programs.

The MENTOR program engages high school students in a series of collaborative design and manufacturing experiments, including using additive manufacturing technology that is commonly known as 3D printing.

Dr. David Rosen, Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech, notes that the MENTOR program provides students with the necessary skills to solve future design and engineering challenges, which in turn will aid U.S. industry. 3D printers also play an important role in the learning style of the program, he says.

Starting in 2012, 3D Systems' printers, along with other brands of 3D printers, will be installed in more than 20 high schools selected by the DARPA program as part of the first phase roll-out. Additional 3D printers will be placed in subsequent phases over a four-year period.

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