Ford Will Fund Six High-Tech Kentucky Labs

The automaker plans to launch six new labs in Kentucky high schools to boost student access to technical training.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold vector editorial illustration of a 3D printer and a robotic arm on a workbench, representing modern technical education. — Ford is launching six high-tech labs across Kentucky high schools to provide 7,000 students with hands-on training in robotics and 3D printing. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Ford is set to fund six high-tech labs across Kentucky to provide students with hands-on experience in fields like robotics and 3D printing. These facilities, known as Ford Future Builders Labs, will eventually serve up to 7,000 students in Jefferson County, Hardin County, and Elizabethtown.

Why it matters

The initiative aims to address the growing disparity between the number of skilled workers required by modern businesses and the current rate of student training. By creating a regional network for curriculum sharing, the program seeks to better prepare the next generation for technical careers.

The six labs are designed to mirror MIT's FAB Lab program, offering equipment for laser cutting, coding, 3D printing, and physical computing. Up to 7,000 students will gain access to these advanced technologies once the locations are fully operational.

The players

Ford

Ford is a global automotive manufacturer that is funding the development of new educational facilities in Kentucky.

The details

Modeled after MIT's established FAB Lab program, these spaces offer students access to laser cutting, 3D printing, coding, robotics, and physical computing tools. The participating high schools will form a regional network, allowing teachers to collaborate on shared projects and instructional curriculum.

The labs are scheduled to open in the future.

Culture Shift

This investment follows a broader societal shift toward integrating specialized technical skills into the standard secondary school experience. By adopting the MIT's FAB Lab program model, these schools are positioning themselves at the forefront of a movement to bridge the gap between classroom theory and industrial application.

Students in Jefferson County, Hardin County, and Elizabethtown will soon have direct, free access to high-end prototyping equipment like 3D printers and laser cutters. This allows local families to save on private training costs while providing pupils with hands-on experience that is highly valued by regional employers.

The takeaway

Access to specialized equipment like robotics and coding tools can significantly change a students career trajectory long before they enter the workforce. Building regional networks between schools ensures that these resources continue to provide value through shared knowledge and consistent updates.