The Kentucky Community and Technical College System, along with partners, recently received a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
The funds will be used to advance 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, practices throughout Kentucky and surrounding regions.
New Manufacturing Technologies
The goal is to streamline, advance and improve manufacturing practices that reduce part lead times, material costs, energy usage and waste, while positioning Kentucky as an economic hub for additive manufacturing.
KCTCS’ role will focus on workforce development activities and more efficient bridging between the education infrastructure and the demands of the workforce.
Plans call for strengthening the current representation of additive manufacturing at a sample of community colleges and identifying college champions.
“As the largest provider of skilled talent in the commonwealth, KCTCS is honored to accelerate our work in additive manufacturing technologies,” said KCTCS President Ryan Quarles. “As a core partner, our system has been at the cutting edge of emerging industry innovation by providing opportunities for students to explore additive manufacturing and build relevant skills.”
KCTCS and the University of Louisville are the grant’s two funded partners, while the Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation (KSTC) is the lead partner for the award.
Funding comes through the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.
“We will be laser-focused on collaborating with our partners to expand the pool of qualified individuals who can hit the ground running with companies embracing additive manufacturing technologies across the service region,” said Jessie Schook, KCTCS Vice President of Workforce and Economic Development.
Planning and development through this award will include strengthening existing partnerships and establishing pathways for research and development, translation to practice, and workforce development with a goal of competing for an NSF Engine award of up to $160 million – the largest award ever offered by the NSF.
“We are eager to continue the work and build upon the partnerships we developed as part of our initial NSF Engines proposal through this award. It is a testament to the importance and potential of both our region and additive manufacturing technologies,” said KSTC President and Project Lead Terry Samuel.
For more information, visit amt.kstc.org.
