LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville J.B. Speed School of Engineering will host 25 students from Kentucky’s Promise Zone for a summer camp focused on 3D printing.
Kentucky’s Promise Zone is part of a federal program aimed at improving the overall quality of life in high-poverty communities by working closely with local leaders. The Kentucky target area covers 3,071 square miles and is made up of Bell, Harlan, Letcher, Perry, Leslie, Clay and Knox counties and part of Whitley County. There are a total of 22 Promise Zone communities nationwide in a mix that includes urban, rural and tribal areas.
This is the third consecutive year the Speed School has conducted the camp, which will be July 9-13 and is designed to broaden interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers among top students from the zone. The students are chosen by Berea College, which also provides transportation and chaperones to the camp.
In addition to lessons, the students are introduced to dormitory living and will visit Louisville landmarks such as the Speed Art Museum.
Past Promise Zone campers have focused on renewable energy, and at least two former campers will attend UofL this fall.
This year’s campers will build an accessory part for an automobile using 3D printing technology. They will present their parts in a “Shark Tank”-like competition on the final day of camp, July 13, at the Engineering Education Garage, 1960 Arthur St.
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Note to editors, producers: UofL President Neeli Bendapudi is scheduled to visit briefly with the campers July 13 at 3:30 p.m.