National Science Foundation grant helps establish 3D Printer Clubs in local schools

Thirteen local schools and education centers are able to establish 3D Printer Clubs thanks to a $50,000 National Science Foundation grant.
 
The grant was awarded to the University of Cincinnati’s College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services (CECH) three years ago with the purpose of integrating engineering strategies with real world application to problem solving. For example, using a 3D printer as a technology tool to solve a particular problem.
 
The grant was extended another year, which helped create the club, an after-school program that connects schools with local businesses and industry and community partners in hopes of garnering interest in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) field, says Kathie Maynard, CECH assistant dean of community partnerships.
 
The club emerged from a model of the STEM Bicycle Club that was started by the Greater Cincinnati STEM Collaborative, which acts as a bridge between the partners and schools by helping them align their vision.
 
“The 3D Printers Club is the next stage in a vision that creates a series of experiences for students, teachers and schools,” Maynard says. “It’s not just about a 10-week experience. Our long-term vision is to have a different experience every single year … experiences that really last over time.”
 
The repeated exposure will not only help students build problem-solving skills but expose them to an awareness of careers and college pathways in the STEM field.
 
Do Good:

• For more information on the grant, contact Kathie Maynard. 

• To learn more about the Greater Cincinnati STEM Collaborative, visit its website. 

• Read about how the 3D Printers Club will impact local students.