LIFT Lab surpasses 1K student milestone in Puerto Rico
The LIFT Puerto Rico Learning Lab has surpassed 1,000 student visitors, a milestone that the organization says reflects growing interest in technical education and careers in manufacturing, robotics and engineering.
The Learning Lab, launched in April and supported by the U.S. Department of Defense, has hosted students from across Puerto Rico, including groups traveling more than 90 minutes to participate in hands-on training sessions.
“Surpassing 1,000 student visitors is more than a number — it represents a movement to empower Puerto Rico’s next generation of innovators and makers,” said Robert Shaner, LIFT’s chief workforce development officer.
“Each student who walks through our doors is taking an important step toward shaping the future of the island’s workforce and contributing to national competitiveness,” he said.
The facility includes virtual welding stations, robotics modules, mechanical systems, and electrical and control components that replicate industry environments. The programs are structured to supplement classroom instruction with direct experience using manufacturing technologies.
LIFT projects it will host about 1,500 students by the end of 2025.
Organization officials said the milestone reflects strong student participation and the need to expand access to technical training across the island, particularly in sectors facing labor shortages and rapid technological change.
The group said it intends to serve students from every region of Puerto Rico as participation grows.
