Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and leaders with Ford Motor Company and Ford Philanthropy, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) unveiled plans to invest a combined total of $1.54 million to install and equip new state-of-the-art high-tech learning labs in partnership with the Detroit Public Schools Community District, Marshall Public Schools and surrounding Battle Creek, Michigan schools. 

In 2026, 12 Ford Future Builders Labs — also known as Innovation Labs, Fabrication Labs or Digital Fabrication Labs — will be created in elementary schools, middle schools and high schools in Detroit, Marshall and surrounding Battle Creek, Michigan schools in a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the MEDC’s Talent Action Team. 

The announcement was among the highlights of the inaugural Ford Pro Accelerate Summit at the newly restored Michigan Central Station in Detroit. 

The event, organized by Ford Motor Company, promotes skilled trades and the “essential economy” by connecting industry leaders, manufacturing experts, and talent with opportunities to learn about new tools and technologies for manufacturing, quality control, and maintenance, with insights into topics like automation, electrification, and AI, focusing on developing the workforce of the future for the automotive industry. Ford CEO Jim Farley hosted the annual conference, which was attended by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and CEOs and top-ranked executives from many of Michigan’s leading companies.

“This truly is a unique and powerful partnership with state government, private industry and education leaders all rowing in the same direction to drive Michigan forward in this vital segment of our state and national economy,” said Gov. Whitmer. “Let’s keep working together to bring advanced manufacturing and critical supply chains home as we create economic opportunities for hardworking Michiganders and inspire the next generation of innovators and creators in every region to build a brighter future for Michigan.”

The initiative is projected to benefit nearly 7,300 kindergarten through 12th-grade students and 75 teachers in Michigan who will gain knowledge and skills needed in a variety of careers, including the skilled trades, advanced manufacturing and the auto industry. 

“The Ford Future Builders Labs will help transform how students learn," said Mary Culler, President of Ford Philanthropy. "It's about moving beyond textbooks to hands-on learning, blending academic knowledge with vital practical skills like 3D printing and coding. This 'learning by doing' approach not only builds technical expertise but also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving, preparing our young people for the dynamic jobs of tomorrow.”    

Ford Future Builders Labs aim to help:

•    Schools modernize their classrooms with tools, such as 3D printers, laser cutters and CNC routers, that support learning in mechatronics, robotics and advanced manufacturing.

•    Teachers facilitate learning experiences that develops critical skills necessary for the 21st century.

•    Students engage in hands-on learning by designing, building and testing solutions to real-world challenges.

Introducing career awareness lessons at an early age to elementary and middle schoolers helps students understand the diverse array of career paths available in advanced technology and sustainable energy, such as semiconductors, aerospace, defense, mobility and electric vehicles. 

By incorporating interactive and age-appropriate activities, these lessons can spark early interest and provide a foundation for more specialized learning in high school and beyond. 

“Michigan is a global leader and hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation,” said Amy Rencher, MEDC Senior Vice President, Small Business & Talent. “We have proven over generations that we create some of the world’s best and brightest engineers and technicians right here in Michigan, and MEDC is proud to make this investment to continue that tradition."

The Detroit Public Schools Community District’s (DPSCD) Mobility Career Pathway Pilot is strategically designed to meet the emerging workforce needs of Michigan’s rapidly growing mobility and advanced manufacturing sectors, particularly electric vehicle production, battery technology, aerospace and sustainable transportation infrastructure.

The funding from Ford Philanthropy and the MEDC will help DPSCD expand its Mobility Career Pathway, piloted at Western International High School in fall 2024, by developing a full K-12 pipeline through the integration of high-tech Ford Future Builders Labs into two K-8 schools.

“For the past two years, the DPSCD Foundation has worked alongside Ford Philanthropy and Michigan Central to design a pathway that connects Detroit students to the future of mobility,” said DPSCD Foundation President and CEO Kerrie Mitchell Campbell-Mabins. “Today’s announcement is the realization of that vision — bringing world-class resources directly into our schools to prepare students for the opportunities of tomorrow. By reaching students earlier and sparking interest in emerging industries, this work builds a stronger foundation that will carry into high school and beyond, further supporting the District’s bold redesign efforts.”

The expansion of the DPSCD Mobility Career Pathway and Ford Future Builders Labs into grades K-8 also addresses long-standing gaps in Detroit’s academic and social-emotional learning ecosystem. Within DPSCD, approximately 83% of students are economically disadvantaged, and more than 90% are Black or Latino — groups historically underrepresented in STEM careers and disproportionately impacted by systemic inequities in education. 

Only 15.3% of Detroit third graders scored proficient or above in math on the 2025 M-STEP assessment, compared with 40.2% statewide, underscoring early disparities in STEM achievement. Science scores are similarly concerning: Just 10.5% of Detroit fifth graders and 12.8% of eighth graders demonstrated proficiency, compared with over 30% of their peers across Michigan.

The elementary and middle school Ford Future Builders Labs expansion will introduce students to age-appropriate, hands-on experiences in design thinking, digital fabrication and sustainable engineering. These experiences align with Michigan’s K-12 academic standards in science, mathematics and computer science, while also building foundational skills in communication, problem-solving and collaboration. 

“This expansion reflects the very work we are driving every day at DPSCD,” said Dr. Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent, Detroit Public Schools Community District. “Through our Blueprint 2027 priorities—Student Success and Exceptional Talent—we are intentionally building a diverse, locally rooted and globally competitive talent pipeline. By equipping students with industry-aligned technical skills, certifications and work-based learning experiences, we’re creating real, high-wage career pathways. Today’s announcement underscores the power of intentional collaboration to widen access and opportunity, and it validates our district’s commitment to ensuring every student can rise to meet Michigan’s workforce needs.”

Industry leaders for the Mobility Career Pathway Program at Western International High School include Ford Motor Co., Ford Philanthropy, Michigan Central, University of Michigan, Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, Schoolcraft College, MichAuto, DTE Energy, Kettering University, CEC Detroit, University of Detroit Mercy, Urban Neighborhood Initiatives and 826michigan.

In Marshall, the public school district, in partnership with MEDC, Ford Motor Company, and Ford Philanthropy, will receive six Ford Future Builders Labs. These labs are scheduled to debut in elementary, middle and high school buildings in 2026. 

•    The labs will implement programming that introduces age-appropriate manufacturing

•    concepts and skills, including at the:

•    Elementary level (grades K-5): Nearly 1,100 students will engage in hands-on activities with simple machines, basic electronics and introductory design thinking. The focus will be on sparking curiosity, building confidence through making and introducing manufacturing career awareness through age-appropriate storytelling and role models.

•    Middle school level (grades 6-8): Nearly 550 students will advance to more complex projects involving digital fabrication, introductory robotics, basic programming and collaborative problem-solving. Industry mentors will introduce specific manufacturing processes and career pathways through project challenges that mirror real-world manufacturing problems.

•    High school level (grades 9-12): Approximately 800-plus students at Marshall High School will engage with advanced manufacturing equipment, including CNC machines, industrial robotics and quality control processes. Programming will enhance opportunities for industry-relevant projects and dual enrollment courses in partnership with Kellogg Community College. 

“This is an incredible opportunity for our district and will better prepare our students for job opportunities that will allow a student to stay and live in the area post-education,” said Marshall Public Schools Superintendent Rebecca Jones. “We are excited to partner with Ford, Ford Philanthropy and the MEDC on the endeavor of creating the future talent pipeline for our region, as well as supporting the other manufacturers in the area, such as Kellogg, DENSO, Magna and others. Through the use of these labs, we will be able to raise awareness of the increasingly vital and exciting career opportunities in advanced manufacturing, allowing our young people to live and work in the community they have grown up in.”

For more information, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org.