Washington, DC – Today U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) announced that Harford Community College will receive a $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The funding will be used for the Regional Additive Manufacturing Pathways (RAMP) project, which will help students train for 21st century careers in 3-D printing.

Additive manufacturing, or 3-D printing, is on the rise as the creation and manufacturing of complex 3-D products – from medical implants to warfighter engine parts – becomes individualized and on-demand. To ensure that their training is aligned with the needs of the regional manufacturing industry, RAMP will work with industry leaders, the United States Military Base-Aberdeen Proving Ground, the Regional Additive Manufacturing Partnership of Maryland, and the NSF’s Advanced Technological Education National Resource Center for Materials Technology Education.

“This is exactly the type of federal investment that will help Maryland students succeed in this 21st Century job market,” said Senator Cardin. “3-D printing is a rapidly expanding field, used by almost every industry, from healthcare to our own military. These funds will help ensure our young people have the training necessary to compete for those well-paying jobs.”

“As we work to bring good paying jobs to Maryland, we must also ensure that our residents have the skills and training they need to succeed in those positions,” said Senator Van Hollen. “As 3-D printing takes on a growing share of manufacturing in our country, Harford Community College students will be uniquely positioned to capitalize on this career opportunity.”

For more information on this project, click here.

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