The Applied Science & Technology Research Organization of America (ASTRO America) has partnered with the Colorado School of Mines and the University of Guam, both in the United States, to create a satellite campus that will provide the educational foundation needed to grow a 3D printing sector on the island. The initiative aims to train a new talent base capable of supporting AM across both Guam’s civilian economy and U.S. national defense needs.
The collaboration is part of ASTRO America’s Guam Additive Materials & Manufacturing Accelerator, developed in coordination with the government of Guam. “This collaboration between a top-tier mainland university and a leading Guam institution brings a premier engineering program to the island while supporting a strategic workforce need for the U.S. Navy’s maritime industrial base and beyond,” said Neal Orringer, president of ASTRO America. He added that Mines’ leadership in mechanical and manufacturing engineering, paired with UOG’s foundational coursework, will offer students “world-class instruction in technologies that are reshaping defense and industrial production worldwide.”
Expanding Workforce Capacity and Regional Innovation
The academic model allows students to complete the first two years of introductory engineering courses at the University of Guam and finish the final two years with Colorado School of Mines faculty on-island, focusing on AM and advanced production methods. This marks the first time students in Guam and across the Pacific will be able to earn a four-year mechanical engineering degree without leaving the island.
Colorado School of Mines will deliver the specialized mechanical engineering curriculum. “We’re excited for this new partnership because of what it offers students, the universities, and the U.S. Navy,” said Mines president Paul C. Johnson. “The students receive the opportunity to earn a Mines degree in Guam, the University of Guam and Colorado School of Mines benefit from the investment in state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing facilities and closer ties to the Navy and supporting industries in the Pacific.”
University of Guam president Anita Borja Enriquez noted that the program “expands local access to quality education” and directly supports workforce development in rapidly growing fields such as advanced manufacturing and additive technology. The Navy is currently assessing an option for ASTRO America to lead a $12 million expansion to support curriculum rollout, laboratory development, equipment acquisition, and student recruitment—building on an existing $5 million effort already in progress.
With academic planning underway, the first student cohort is expected to begin classes in Fall 2026. The program is designed to serve both civilian and military-connected learners, positioning Guam as an emerging hub for innovation, manufacturing, and technical talent across the Pacific region.
Upskilling the Additive Manufacturing Industry
Beyond ASTRO America, the additive manufacturing community continues to strengthen education and collaboration globally.
Recently, Munich-based 3D printer manufacturer EOS announced a Space Act Agreement with NASA to offer the Metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) Master Class through the EOS Additive Minds Academy. The program, which began in November 2025, combines classroom instruction with hands-on training in industrial metal 3D printing and post-processing techniques.
Designed for engineers, researchers, and industry professionals, the program provides hands-on experience in build job development, post-processing, and laboratory testing. Graduates receive an EOS Additive Minds Certificate of Completion, validating their expertise in advanced metal AM techniques.
Earlier in the year, the Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) recognized outstanding students and educators through its two annual 3D printing scholarships. Colleen Murray, a lecturer in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Maryland, received the Randy Stevens Scholarship for additive manufacturing educators, while Justin Levy, a third-year mechanical engineering student at The Ohio State University, received the Guy E. Bourdeau Scholarship for students.
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Featured image shows Officials from the University of Guam, Guam Economic Development Authority, Applied Science & Technology Research Organization of America and Colorado School of Mines. Photo via Colorado School of Mines.
