---
title: "GM Grant Brings Robotics, 3D Printers to Detroit Middle Schools"
url: https://www.heredetroitmi.com/2026/10/23/gm-manufacturing-futures-detroit-dearborn-middle-schools/
date: 2026-10-23T07:19:34-04:00
modified: 2026-10-23T07:19:34-04:00
author: "Rene Hines"
categories: ["Education"]
site: "HERE Detroit"
attribution: "HERE Detroit"
---

# GM Grant Brings Robotics, 3D Printers to Detroit Middle Schools

> DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. — General Motors kicked off a $500,000 grant at a Dearborn Heights career center Thursday that will give Detroit and Dearborn middle schoolers hands-on time with robotic arms and 3D printers. The program, named Manufacturing Futures, debuted at the district’s Michael Berry Career Center. Eight middle schools in the two cities take

*Source: [HERE Detroit](https://www.heredetroitmi.com/2026/10/23/gm-manufacturing-futures-detroit-dearborn-middle-schools/) — October 23, 2026 by Rene Hines*

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. — General Motors kicked off a $500,000 grant at a Dearborn Heights career center Thursday that will give Detroit and Dearborn middle schoolers hands-on time with robotic arms and 3D printers.

The program, named Manufacturing Futures, debuted at the district’s Michael Berry Career Center. Eight middle schools in the two cities take part, divided between Dearborn’s district and Detroit’s community school district, and organizers expect about 2,800 students a year.

Lessons will be folded into the STEM classes and electives students already take. Field trips to high school career-tech shops will let them watch demonstrations and meet teachers.

Two dozen high school career-tech students will work as paid mentors, each earning a $500 stipend. Sixteen family nights will give parents a look at apprenticeship and job options.

Part of the money pays for a new construction trades classroom at the career center. The AFT Educational Foundation runs the program, which rolls out this fall, and Detroit district leaders tied it to their high school redesign effort.