Did you ever wonder how 3-D printing technology will affect the future of various careers?

If so, the 3-D Printing Academy mini-conference will help answer that question.The conference, hosted through a partnership between the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Carbon Career & Technical Institute, Lehigh Carbon Community College and the LCCC SHINE Afterschool Program, will take place at Carbon Career & Technical Institute, 150 W. 13th St., Jim Thorpe, on May 31. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Sessions start at 9 a.m. and go to 2 p.m. Lunch will also be provided.Jeanne Miller, director of the SHINE Afterschool Program, said this is a rare opportunity for the county, especially for the students involved."The world is moving very quickly and as parent, grandparent and educator I want to be informed on the careers of the future, what skills will be needed and what technology is out there that will make an impact on our daily lives," she said. "This conference will provide a hands-on, exciting approach from teaching innovative technology in elementary, middle/high school and college to what is cutting edge in the workforce."We are so proud that Carbon County has been chosen to host this conference and we hope all factions of the community will take advantage of this opportunity," Miller said. "The more knowledgeable we are as a community the better prepared we are for the future."The conference is free and open to teachers, parents, business professionals and community members interested in learning about 3-D printing technology and how it is building career awareness in high-priority occupations.Elementary, middle and high school students from the SHINE Afterschool program, who have been working with the MakerBot, a 3-D printer, will be on hand to lead conference participants in a number of education sessions, including Early Child, Middle/High School and College level, while representatives from Crayola, ProtoCAM and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network will be showcasing manufacturing and biotechnology applications in the Business/Industry session.Registration is required. Deadline to register is Friday. To register, visit

www.shineon3dprinting.info.Act 48 credits are available for teachers attending the event.