High School Students Check Out STEM Opportunities at QCC

High school students from seven different high schools in and around Worcester recently got a chance to try out the new Fab Lab at QCC and experience life on a college campus.

Students attended the Maker Academy Summer Experience and College Readiness Program for eight days, Monday through Thursday, for two weeks in July. This gave them about 30 hours of time to try out the high tech tools, such as 3D printers and laser cutters, in the Fab Lab. In the morning, for the first week students took a college readiness course, and the second week they participated in Math Boot Camp. In the afternoon, the students were able to work on different projects in the Fab Lab, creating furry monsters and figurines.

“The students said the 3D printer was hard to use at the beginning but then they were excited to learn how it worked, and collaborate and work together,” said Kerry Berry, SSA Early College High School Liasion.

“This program gave them a glimpse into college life. They were able to see that STEM careers are exciting and hands on,” said Michelle Sheehan, administrative assistant in the Academic Affairs office. The program was led by Carol King, Director of College and Career Pathways.

The maker program was developed with STEM Starter Academy (SSA) Advisory board members at QCC, including Kathy Rentsch, Leslie Horton, Darcy Carlson, Christina Hebert, and Carol King. It was made possible through a $50,000 grant from the Department of Higher Education's SSA program. See the STEM Starter Academy for more about this program. The curriculum was developed with Worcester Think Tank and Technocopia.

Worcester Think Tank is an educational center with a mission of providing high quality, hands-on learning opportunities in science, technology and the arts. They specialize in developing interdisciplinary classes and workshops which promote intellectual, personal and social growth in all students.

Technocopia is a makerspace in Worcester with a variety of tools for artisans to create and work with. They host training sessions and workshops, as well as open workshop nights for adults.

Eighteen students going into their freshman, sophomore and junior year in high school participated in the program, which was free for students, with transportation, breakfast and lunch provided.

The program also included a component for educators, 32 teachers and guidance counselors from high schools around Worcester participated in a shorter format, with three-day sessions. They were able to check out the Fab Lab and try out the high-tech machinery as well.

“We’ve gotten really good feedback, including e-mails from parents and teachers, as well as ideas for the future,” Ms. Berry said. “We would like to offer the program again.”