The University of Cincinnati Ground Floor Makerspace and the Greater Cincinnati STEM Collaborative (GCSC) are piloting a professional development opportunity for K-12 STEAM teachers in the greater Cincinnati region.
The Makerspace Intensive will take place June 5-16, Mondays through Fridays, in the 1819 Innovation Hub, 2900 Reading Road in Cincinnati. Participants will be given six weeks of free Makerspace access after the intensive ends.
The free program will include equipment trainings, discussions, and individual and group work sessions. Participants may up earn up to a total of 40-60 professional development contact hours and a stipend of up to $250 for completing all program requirements. Parking and lunches will be provided.
"Here in the UC Makerspace, we define 'making' as including design, challenge-based learning, crafts, tinkering, inventing and performing maintenance and repairs. These activities develop initiative, resiliency, problem-solving and collaborative work skills. These are all part of the 21st century skills that are in demand by employers," said Ben Jones, Makerspace director. "We believe that the process of making can be transformative, helping individuals gain confidence in solving problems that matter."
There are a limited number of slots available. Applications are due May 19. Participants will be notified of their acceptance no later than May 24.
Sean Kelley, director of the Greater Cincinnati STEM Collaborative, said the partnership with the Makerspace is a strategic extension of the work the collaborative does with teachers, students, families and community partners to engage young people in hands-on experiences that lead them to explore STEAM education and career pathways.
"As an original member of the MakerUSA Learning Network, GCSC is committed to accelerating social mobility and community-driven innovation by expanding these pathways for underserved students into maker careers and entrepreneurship," Kelley said. "Beginning with the teaching professionals in the classroom with these students is the natural first step."
Featured image at top: K-12 STEAM educators can leverage the UC Ground Floor Makerspace prototyping and fabrication facilities this summer through a selective two-week intensive program.
