---
title: "America Makes launches drone-themed 3D printing student sessions"
url: https://www.voxelmatters.com/america-makes-launches-drone-themed-3d-printing-student-sessions/
date: 2026-10-02
modified: 2026-10-02
lang: en
author: "Joseph Caron-Dawe"
description: "America Makes, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, launched a series of “3D Printing for Drones” sessions for high school students, with half-day events scheduled today (October 2) in Ohio,..."
categories:
  - "Aerospace AM"
  - "AM Training"
  - "Course"
  - "Drones/UAV"
  - "Research & Education"
tags:
  - "future"
image: https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/AmericaMakes-640x320.jpg
word_count: 338
---

# America Makes launches drone-themed 3D printing student sessions

[America Makes](https://www.voxelmatters.directory/company/america-makes/), the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, launched a series of “3D Printing for Drones” sessions for high school students, with half-day events scheduled today (October 2) in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Alabama, and California. The institute tied the programming to National Manufacturing Day and to its Education and Workforce Development (EWD) pillar.

![America Makes announces $1.3M CATACS project call focused on validating a framework for evaluating corrosion testing.](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/America-Makes-facility-face-340x204.jpg)

The sessions have been designed to introduce students to 3D printing, alongside engineering and drone technology. They expand on a recent summer camp held at Missouri University of Science and Technology in collaboration with Innovate Learning, and follow the same Design + Build + Fly format.

Students have been scheduled to work through the thought process of an AM engineer while addressing drone design and operation challenges, including weight, battery management, manufacturability, and reliability.

The curriculum covers three areas. The design-thinking component uses human-centered problem framing around contested logistics scenarios, among them last-mile delivery, field repair, and weight and cost constraints. The AM component addresses iterative prototyping and the development of functional drone components. The drone technology component covers incorporating 3D printed parts, flight fundamentals, payload and mission planning, and reliability testing tied to a logistics challenge.

Participants are set to take part in build-sprint modules, mentor-led activities, safety lessons, design-thinking exercises, prototyping, and drone flight instruction.

“Manufacturing Day provides an important opportunity to [introduce the next generation to the technologies, skills, and career opportunities shaping the future of American manufacturing](https://www.voxelmatters.com/at-imts-2026-additive-manufacturing-grows-up-by-blending-in/),” said Ed Herderick, EWD Director at America Makes.

“This programming brings together state-of-the-art 3D printing with drone competition in an exciting, kinetic way that engages learners and will keep growing momentum in the advanced manufacturing industry.”

America Makes expects the initiative to raise student interest in AM and related careers, while helping participants build foundational technical skills and a better understanding of real-world AM applications.

America Makes has also made the curriculum available free of charge to other organizations that wanted to run their own 3D Printing for Drones activity, in multiple time-length options, through the Community Engagement Tools section of its education platform.