Ulster County Tech Wizards visit campus for 3D training

Approximately 20 young representatives of the Ulster County Tech Wizards came to SUNY New Paltz this September to take two introductory courses in 3D printing and design. They walked away with not only a new set of skills in an exciting field, but with souvenir robots designed and printed at the College’s own MakerBot Innovation Center (MIC).

“Students of Bailey, Miller, and Ellenville middle schools received a fun and hands-on experience in 3D printing thanks to SUNY New Paltz,” said Tech Wizards Coordinator Allison Solian. “The class provided an interactive and college-type environment for the children, who were more than excited to learn about the basics of 3D printing. A huge thank you to all who helped provide this experience for the youth – we hope to be back again soon to learn more!”

This visit to campus was made possible through the support of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County (CCE-Ulster) and its 4-H Youth Development Program, which offers a range of educational and practical experiences to regional children including enrollment in the Ulster County branch of the 4-H Tech Wizards After School Youth Mentoring Program.

The Tech Wizards became the youngest graduates to date of the MIC Instructional Support Technician Aaron Nelson’s Intro to 3D Printing and Intro to CAD Modeling classes.

The courses were first offered to the community in spring 2015, as a way “to open up this technology to everyone on campus, because we see 3D printing as a universal tool that will eventually become as common as a personal computer,” said Dan Freedman, dean of the School of Science and Engineering and director of the HVAMC.

Students and community members interested in advancing their digital design skills beyond what’s covered by these two introductory courses may be interested in learning more about the Digital Design & Fabrication Certificate Program, a four-course program of study intended to help New Paltz students and regional entrepreneurs prepare for careers that incorporate 3D printing.

More information about Digital Design and Fabrication at SUNY New Paltz is available online.