From middle school science classes like we saw at Hannah Beardsley Middle School earlier this week to high school robotics clubs and 3D evangelists like Riley Lewis – 3D printing is spreading like wildfire in students and schools across the country. We don’t talk about it too much, but 3D Systems has a strong commitment to education and bring 3D design & technology to students of all ages. And now with Cubify, this is becoming more accessible and affordable. We truly believe that as 3D printing continues to improve and quality of end-use parts in particular become the norm, 3D design & printing skills will be not only necessary but expected in the workforce.

For many years we have seen are printers change the way students learn and acquire skills in engineering & architecture programs at the university and graduate school level, and in the last few years for children as young as 8 years old through the Kideville Project. Last March, 3D Systems announced a partnership with the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, the organization that sponsors the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. But what we haven’t mentioned until today is how this relationship has been a huge part of making the Cube Odyssey successful.

It was through our friends at the Alliance that we were introduced to another amazing organization, the National Writing Project, which turns students into makers via words. They approach writing and storytelling the same way we look at printing – its  all making. Its their maker-attitude that attracted some of their teachers to the Cube Odyssey and we’re so excited to be visiting Beeber Middle School and Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia Charter School on Monday May 7^th. Its going to be an awesome day of 3D printing 101 with some very talented middle school and high school students.

Please head over to the Alliance,  NWP and The Notebook to learn more about our partnerships, the schools we’re visiting, our awesome supporters at NYP – Tanya- and teachers – Trey and Sam, and why they’re excited about 3D printing!