Ford Will Fund Six High-Tech Kentucky School Labs
Six new high-tech labs will soon offer 7,000 Kentucky students hands-on access to robotics, coding, and 3D printing.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Ford is funding six new Future Builders Labs across Kentucky to provide students with advanced technical resources. The initiative will serve up to 7,000 students in Jefferson County, Hardin County, and Elizabethtown.
Why it matters
The program aims to bridge the gap between the specialized skills required by modern businesses and the current technical training available to students. By creating a regional network, the project allows schools to share curriculum and project resources effectively.
The initiative establishes six Ford Future Builders Labs to support up to 7,000 students. These sites are distributed across Jefferson County, Hardin County, and Elizabethtown.
The players
Ford
An automotive manufacturer that invests in community-based educational initiatives and workforce development.
The details
Modeled after the MIT FAB Lab program, these facilities provide students with professional-grade technology including 3D printers, laser cutters, and robotics equipment. Beyond the physical tools, participating schools will join a regional network, enabling teachers to collaborate on curriculum and project development to ensure consistent skill-building.
Timeline
The new labs are scheduled to open in the future.
The Home Front
This program aligns with broader state efforts to align high school vocational training with the requirements of the modern industrial workforce. It marks a shift toward public-private partnerships as a primary funding source for specialized school infrastructure.
Families in the affected districts should check with their local school board for updates regarding enrollment or elective availability for these new labs. If your student is interested in these fields, consider researching introductory coding or physical computing kits to begin building relevant skills at home.
The takeaway
These labs offer a significant new opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience with advanced technology. Families should monitor school district announcements for opportunities to integrate these new resources into their child's academic schedule.
Further reading
Learn more about local school infrastructure and curriculum development in Kentucky Secondary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WLKY.
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