Volkswagen eLabs provide public school students access to state-of-the-art digital fabrication labs focused on engineering design principles and environmental stewardship. These labs, a collaborative effort supported by Volkswagen Group of America and the Public Education Foundation, are a model for modern education, offering hands-on experience with emergent technologies such as renewable energy kits, robotics, and 3D printing. They are pivotal in shaping a future workforce adept in advanced manufacturing and sustainable problem-solving with a holistic focus on student development.
Explore
Students are challenged with an authentic problem. Then they use design thinking strategies to explore potential solutions
Engage
Once foundational knowledge is developed, students collaborate and engage with industry experts to develop solution models
Empower
Leveraging digital fabrication technologies, students use rapid prototyping and engineering design processes to create products
The Chattanooga Fab Institute is a digital fabrication conference that offers educators an opportunity to engage in authentic experiences with 3D printing, laser engraving/cutting, vinyl cutting, CNC routing, micro-computing, and much more! Each morning, special guests launch the day from a central location. Then, participants are shuttled to a nearby school where VW eLab Specialists (the specialized teachers in these labs) facilitate learning activities as they unpack not only the basics of how to use the technology, but also the nuances that are critical to delivering effective maker-enhanced learning experiences for students.