Inspire the next generation of Title One students across the US to explore STEAM-related career paths by creating and supporting hands-on Afterschool Makerspaces.
Currently schools, libraries and community centers are in dire need of trained adults to create/supervise/maintain MakerSpaces to build 21st century skills of critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and teamwork.
A primary obstacle to creating/operating school-based MakerSpaces is the lack of resources ($ and time) to provide technical and curriculum support to school personnel responsible for managing a MakerSpace.
Creation of a services organization, MakerSquad℠, that focuses on providing, at no cost to school/student, three interconnected activities: certifying K-12 site staff as MakerSpace Coordinators℠, providing on-going Makerspace-related training to school site staff and students, and providing free on-demand MakerSpace support services, in-person and on-line.
Services to include interactive Q/A with staff/students, hardware training/repairs, software instruction and helping recruit and coordinate skills-based Guest Speakers/Maker Project Advisors from local corporations/small businesses:
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