The Copper River School District (CRSD) has embarked on an exciting new initiative to bring cutting-edge 3D printing technology into its classrooms, thanks to a generous $4,000 grant from the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) and the United Engineering Foundation (UEF). The grant was written and secured by Lori Kropidlowski of Ahtna Diversified Holdings (ADH) on behalf of SAME.

In 2022, SAME/UEF grant funding was used to support Ahtna high school students at a popular Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) camp, where students and their chaperones traveled to Anchorage for two days of career exploration. Beyond the 2022 and 2024 grants ($15,000 and $5,500, respectively) dedicated to Ahtna’s student shareholders, Lori has secured additional SAME/UEF funding for 2025.

Lori is a Sr. Business Development & Marketing Group Manager at ADH and a board member of the SAME Anchorage Post. These grants are part of a broader effort to introduce STEM-based learning into the district, encouraging creativity, hands-on engagement, and design thinking among students.

The grant allowed CRSD to purchase five 3D printers and the necessary filament, with the equipment to be rotated among classrooms. Glennallen schools received two printers to be shared across grade levels, while Cantwell and Slana Schools, with their smaller enrollment, will have consistent access to a printer. Kenny Lake and Upstream Learning schools also contributed a printer from their existing resources, adding flexibility to the rotation schedule.

Fostering Creativity and STEM Skills

At the heart of this initiative is a desire to foster creativity and critical thinking in students by providing hands-on experience with 3D design and printing. By integrating the free Tinkercad software on the Clever dashboard—accessible to students on their devices—students will have the opportunity to design their own unique 3D objects and bring them to life through the printing process.

Each classroom will have access to a 3D printer for approximately two to four weeks, during which time students will complete projects that focus on creativity, functionality, and subject-specific themes, with a particular emphasis on STEM. Teachers and advanced learners from the Upstream Learning program will provide support throughout the process, guiding students through the design and printing stages while reinforcing key 3D design concepts.

Upstream Learning students have already begun visiting elementary classrooms to share their expertise, and they will soon be traveling to Slana School to teach its students how to use the equipment. This peer-led learning approach enhances the collaborative spirit of the program and gives more advanced students the chance to deepen their understanding of 3D printing while helping others.

A Bright Future for CRSD Students

The introduction of 3D printers into CRSD classrooms represents a significant leap forward in the district’s efforts to provide students with meaningful, hands-on STEM experiences. The hope is that by engaging students in creative design and problem-solving early on, they will develop critical skills that will serve them well throughout their academic careers and beyond.

This program could also pave the way for broader adoption of 3D printing technology in additional grade levels, giving more students the opportunity to explore this exciting and innovative field. The skills developed through these projects—creativity, problem-solving, and technical understanding—are directly transferable to future educational pursuits and careers in STEM fields.

Vocational Education Opportunities for High School Students

In addition to the 3D printing program, the SAME/UEF grant also provided funding for an unforgettable educational experience for CRSD’s 11th and 12th graders. With $1,500 added to the original $4,000 request, a total of 10 students and 4 chaperones were able to embark on a five-day trip to the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) in Seward.

This unique opportunity allowed the students to explore a wide range of vocational programs, including business and office technology, construction technology, culinary arts, diesel and heavy equipment technologies, industrial electricity, welding, and more. Students experienced dorm life, attended hands-on classes, and participated in meet-and-greet sessions with current AVTEC students and instructors. The trip offered an invaluable glimpse into vocational education and helped students understand the variety of career pathways available through technical training.

Although the six-hour drive from Glennallen to Seward was a long one, the experience was well worth the time away from home. The students returned with new perspectives on vocational education and a better understanding of how technical training can lead to rewarding careers in Alaska’s diverse industries.

Looking Ahead

The partnership between Ahtna, SAME/UEF, the Gateway School District (Mentasta, Denali Borough School), and the Copper River School District has already yielded exciting results, providing students with access to technology and educational experiences that will shape their futures. As the districts continue to integrate 3D printing into their curriculum and offer vocational training opportunities, students are gaining the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world.

By fostering creativity, technical expertise, and real-world problem-solving skills, these initiatives are helping equip the next generation of students with the tools they need to thrive in the 21st century. Ahtna and SAME/UEF are proud to support these efforts and look forward to seeing how students continue to excel in the years to come.