SCC awarded $1 million NSF grant to advance 3D printing education and workforce training

Somerset Community College has been awarded a $1 million, three-year grant from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program to expand education and workforce training in concrete 3D printing, an emerging technology that is transforming the construction industry.

The project, titled Building a Concrete Ecosystem for the Manufacturing Education of New Technicians in 3D Printing (CEMENT-3D), will strengthen partnerships between education and industry while preparing students and technicians for careers in concrete 3D printing (C3DP).

As automation continues to reshape industries ranging from transportation to manufacturing, concrete 3D printing is changing how homes, infrastructure and other structures are designed and built. As adoption grows, demand is increasing for workers with specialized skills in operating equipment and understanding C3DP processes.

Through the grant, SCC will expand capabilities within its Additive Manufacturing Center and enhance its Concrete 3D Printing Laboratory. The project will support the development of new courses and technician certificates, workforce training programs, industry demonstration workshops, and online non-credit coursework available to professionals nationwide.

The initiative also includes a train-the-trainer model designed to prepare educators to deliver C3DP instruction and help expand programming throughout Kentucky and beyond.

CEMENT-3D builds on SCC’s leadership in additive manufacturing and recent achievements in concrete 3D printing. In 2025, with support from USDA Rural Development, SCC completed Floodbuster 1, Kentucky’s first concrete 3D-printed house, and assisted with a second concrete-printed home currently nearing completion.

Eric Wooldridge, SCC professor of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, director of the KCTCS Additive Manufacturing Center, professional engineer and registered architect, will serve as principal investigator for the project. Eldon Whitis, SCC additive manufacturing faculty member, will serve as co-principal investigator.

“Concrete 3D printing is rapidly changing the construction industry,” Wooldridge said. “Our goal is to help students and employers understand the opportunities this technology creates while building the education, workforce and industry partnerships needed to support its growth.”

The project gives SCC a unique opportunity to develop educational pathways around a technology that is still emerging.

“By working directly with industry partners, we can provide hands-on training that prepares students and current workers with the skills employers need today and in the future,” Whitis said.

SCC leadership praised the work of those who have made this opportunity happen for the local Somerset community.

“This $1 million investment from the National Science Foundation is a tremendous recognition of the innovative work happening right here at Somerset Community College,” said Dr. Carey Castle, SCC Chancellor. “Our faculty have positioned SCC at the forefront of emerging technologies, and this grant allows us to build on that momentum by creating new educational pathways and preparing a highly skilled workforce for the future. We are proud to lead efforts that not only expand opportunities for our students but also strengthen Kentucky's role in advancing the future of construction and manufacturing.”

College officials said CEMENT-3D is designed to do more than teach a new technology. The project aims to develop the workforce, partnerships and educational infrastructure needed to advance concrete 3D printing while positioning Kentucky as a leader in the field.

This project is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, Division of Undergraduate Education, Award No. 2555961.