Ford Invests $610,000 in High-Tech Labs for West Tennessee Schools
$610,000
5
$11.7 million
What Happened
Ford Motor Company has invested $610,000 to establish five Ford Future Builders Labs at K-12 schools in West Tennessee, equipping them with 3D printers, laser engravers, and other high-tech tools. The labs are part of the company's $11.7 million Good Neighbor Plan for the region, which is home to Ford's BlueOval City campus. Students from different programs, such as agriculture and theater, have collaborated on projects like creating props for a school musical.
“We want these young people to stay in the community and succeed here, and that is why we are creating pathways to great paying jobs.”
The labs grew out of community conversations and aim to introduce students to skilled trades and advanced manufacturing careers. Teachers report that the labs have broken down barriers between different academic programs and fostered collaboration. Ford plans to open more labs in the future.
Why this matters
The program aims to train local students for advanced manufacturing jobs at Ford's nearby BlueOval City plant, supporting the region's workforce and economy.
Terms in This Story
- Skilled trades
- Occupations that require specialized training, such as welding, machining, and electrical work.
- 3D printer
- A machine that creates three-dimensional objects from digital models by layering material.
- Laser engraver
- A tool that uses a laser beam to engrave or mark materials like metal, wood, or plastic.
- BlueOval City
- Ford's large manufacturing campus under construction in West Tennessee, focused on electric vehicles and batteries.
Related coverage
- Ford Explorer ST Team to Host Live AMA on Facebook June 11
- Ford Bronco Off-Road Golf Event in Desert Combines Golf and Off-Roading
- Ford and Bloomberg Philanthropies Invest $5 Million in Detroit Auto Technician Training
- Mercedes-Benz and TYTAN Technologies Sign MoU for Drone Defense Vehicles
- Hyundai Motor Group Says Real-World AI Integration Attracts Silicon Valley Engineers