Community Projects
During the past decade, the foundation of our nation's innovative culture has deteriorated. We've seen secondary schools that have eliminated vital technology-centric workshops; governmental policies and economic downturn that have discouraged the world's brightest from starting U.S.-based businesses; and manufacturing jobs and skills that have been lost to other countries.
To that end, we engage in outreach activities, alone and in partnership with non-profit organizations, that are driven by our conviction that making — expressing one's ideas by designing and building — universally yields a sense of empowerment and satisfaction that enhances communication, transcends social barriers, and opens minds.
We do not create passive learning experiences. Rather, we provide and support programs that offer real challenges that are adaptable to each participant's skill level, because we believe they must do — solder the wire, cut the wood, weld the metal — in order to grow in confidence and capability.
A Closer Look: Community Projects
We particularly enjoy working with students from Philadelphia-area secondary schools who might not otherwise have the opportunity to work creatively with their hands and who may have a poor practical understanding of science and math. We believe we make significant contributions to their confidence, competence, and interest in science and technology and can improve their chances of obtaining further education and a career in a STEM/STEAM-related field.
In addition to the programs outlined below, we also work to develop the technical and workplace skills of youth through internships and co-op employment, and with artists and local arts organizations to expand their capabilities for expression. We typically host 1-2 university co-op students, 1-2 high-school interns, and an artist-in-residence at all times.
The Breadboard Program of the University City Science Center is our primary non-profit outreach partner. NextFab and Breadboard have a formal partnership to develop and support arts and educational outreach (STEM and STEAM) activities that leverage the capabilities of NextFab. Together, we've organized and hosted a wide variety of programs and applied for a number of grants.
Some STEM/STEAM-specific programs executed by NextFab, alone or in partnership, include:
Handcranked Jewelry Workshops with Breadboard and LOVID (March, September 2011)
NextFab Studio hosted and supported a series of workshops aimed at introducing young people to basic electronics through hands-on construction of LED-illuminated jewelry. These workshops were held in conjunction with an exhibit at International House.
Philadelphia Science Festival with the Franklin Institute Science Museum (April 2011)
We participated in the Science Carnival on the Parkway, a one-day event featuring booths and science-related activities geared toward families. We demonstrated a fleet of 3D printers to visitors.
Product Development for Young Entrepreneurs with The Enterprise Center YES Entrepreneurship Program and Breadboard (Summer 2010)
Four high-school students participating in the YES Program at TEC were mentored through product-development activities at NextFab Studio. The projects included developing an electric-motor-powered scooter, formulating and testing organic perfumes, creating electronic comic books, and designing and producing custom graphic t-shirts.
Sea Perch Robotics Team with Philadelphia Futures (2010-present; ongoing annual event)
NextFab Studio instructs and mentors a team of 6-8 students who compete in the annual U.S. Navy-sponsored Sea Perch Remotely Operated Vehicle competition. The team, which is drawn from several Philadelphia district high schools, is chosen by Philadelphia Futures.
Soft Circuit Workshop with Tech Girlz and Breadboard (September 2010)
Approximately 30 7th and 8th grade girls were introduced to basic electronic circuits in a workshop taught by NextFab staff during which the girls assembled a “Salt n’ Peanut” kit from Soft Circuit.
We also produced the Maker Field Day held at the Franklin Institute Science Museum. This was a low-intensity competitive event with four stations of hands-on activity for children and adults, featuring speed soldering, “bristle bot” races (robots built using a toothbrush head), a carve-your-own-foam-car derby, and a “Tallest Paper Tower” competition. Winners were presented their awards by esteemed American inventor Dean Kamen, creator of the Segway PT.
El Centro de Estudiantes Workshop with Breadboard’s Youth Outreach Program (Summer 2011)
NextFab staff instructed five girls and boys from El Centro de Estudiantes school, an alternative middle-high school that is part of the Big Picture Network, on how to use the Roland VersaCAMM vinyl print/cut system and Adobe Illustrator, and assisted the collaborative design and printing of banners that were installed on the El Centro campus.