Making the World of 3D Printing Accessible to Kids, Ages 8-14

DURHAM, N.C., June 19, 2014 — (PRNewswire) — Youth Digital ( www.YouthDigital.com) announced today the release of their online "3D Printing & Modeling 1" course for kids, ages 8-14. Students will learn Blender ( www.blender.org) — a professional-level, open-source 3D modeling and animation suite — to sculpt, texture, arrange and render their own 3D creation, in preparation for actual 3D printing.

LINK: http://www.youthdigital.com/3d-printing-and-modeling-1.html

The course leverages Youth Digital's breakthrough interactive learning platform, which includes the software tools, interactive videos, challenging activities, exciting assignments, and live technical and instructional support. Best of all, at the end of the course, students can order 3D prints of their own unique creations from Shapeways ( www.shapeways.com) — the world's leading 3D printing marketplace and community — at discounted pricing for educational partners.

"Youth Digital's 3D Printing & Modeling 1 course is ground-breaking, because it introduces the high-tech world of 3D printing to kids," said Justin Richards, Youth Digital's Founder and Director. "This course enables kids to learn cutting-edge technology skills and professional-level software tools. It makes the world of 3D printing accessible, around the globe — even to those that have never seen a 3D printer in action. At the end of the course, students can order prints of their very own 3D creations directly from Shapeways."

"Kids will love it. But what is really important is that we're making the world of 3D printing — what once felt like the stuff of science-fiction — accessible to younger learners," continued Justin Richards. "These are critical technology and engineering skills. The implications for America's competitive edge in technology, STEM education initiatives, design, coding and engineering are significant."

To celebrate, the Youth Digital 3D Printing & Modeling 1 course is available at a 30% discount — until July 31, 2014 — by using Offer Code "Shape30" when purchasing the course at www.YouthDigital.com. The regular price of the course is just $249, which also includes the downloaded software and support for 12 months.

About Youth Digital
Youth Digital empowers children to be digital creators, designers, animators, programmers and developers. Our breakthrough learning platform provides kids — between the ages of 8 and 14 — a comprehensive learning experience that is amazingly fun, interactive and rewarding. Students watch videos, respond to questions, earn badges, complete quizzes, and attempt challenging assignments as they step toward mastering critical technology skills and professional-level software.

Based in Durham, North Carolina, Youth Digital was founded in 2010 by Justin Richards at the age of 22. Since then it has educated and encouraged more than 15,000 kids through in-person classes, after-school programs, summer school programs and an expanding portfolio of introductory and advanced online courses. Today, students from around the world are enrolled in Youth Digital's online classes in game development, mobile app design, Java programming for Minecraft©, 3D printing & modeling, 3D animation, and more.

Youth Digital is an Official Education Partner of Shapeways. To learn more about becoming an Official Education Partner of Shapeways, please contact Email Contact. Youth Digital's mission to help children "Create Awesome!"

About Shapeways
Shapeways is the world's leading 3D Printing marketplace and community to make, buy, and sell custom and personalized products. Shapeways is revolutionizing 3D printing, making it affordable and accessible for designers and consumers worldwide. The startup turns ideas into reality through on-demand 3D printing services — redefining manufacturing, supply chain, and e-commerce, and democratizing creation for everyone. Headquartered in New York with offices in Eindhoven and Seattle, Shapeways is a spin-out of the lifestyle incubator of Royal Philips Electronics.

Media contact:
Molly Richards, Youth DIgital
Email Contact
919-702-7836

Elisa Richardson, Shapeways
Email Contact
917-740-1428

Video - http://youtu.be/ulkufDW_Z2Q

SOURCE Youth Digital

Contact:

Youth Digital Web: http://www.YouthDigital.com