Hartford, CT – June 13, 2024 – MakerspaceCT recently celebrated the achievements of students from two engineering programs held in 2023-2024. The graduation ceremony, attended by students and families, marked the successful completion of the Engineering Fundamentals Course and the Engineering Primer Program. Each student received a certificate of completion, an online credential and a stipend for completing their respective courses.
The Engineering Fundamentals Course (EFC), designed for young adults aged 18-24 in Hartford, offers a comprehensive introduction to product creation, engineering, and manufacturing. Throughout the program, students design and produce working prototypes, gaining essential skills in materials, processes, and product design. Participants delve into CAD design, 3D printing, and electronics assembly, gaining practical skills to prepare them for careers in industrial design, mechanical, and electrical engineering.
Meanwhile, the Engineering Primer program provides high school students aged 14-18 in Connecticut with an opportunity to explore new manufacturing technologies. Over the course of 12 weeks, students receive training and experience in product creation, engineering, and manufacturing. Similar to the EFC, participants engage in areas such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), 3D printing, electronics assembly, and receive hands-on experience using MakerspaceCT’s innovation center.
Generously funded by the Hartford Foundation For Public Giving, the City of Hartford, and the Ensworth Charitable Foundation, these programs provided tuition-free access to all attendees.
The graduation ceremony featured welcoming remarks from Devra Sisitsky, MakerspaceCT’s executive director, and a keynote address from Jeff Auker, newly appointed by Mayor Arunan Arulampalam as director of Development Services for the city of Hartford. Auker, who previously led Infosys’ innovation hub in Hartford, encouraged students to take advantage of the rapidly evolving technology landscape to further their careers and to demonstrate their skills for potential employers.
Erik Johnson, lead instructor for EFC, expressed admiration for the students’ support for each other and encouraged them to continue learning.
“We live in extraordinary times!” said Johnson. “You can learn anything now because of the vast amount of information available on the internet. Figure out what interests you and learn everything that you can about it. Never stop learning.”
Cole Grosner, MakerspaceCT’s director of education, emphasized MakerspaceCT’s commitment to students and skills-based training.
“By equipping our participants with hands-on experience and practical knowledge, we aim to prepare them for the future,” he said.
Julie Gauthier, lead instructor for Engineering Primer, acknowledged the vital role that families play in the success of their students. “Thank you for your commitment and encouragement. I know first hand how important it is for youth to have support at home.”
Highlights of the achievements for the 2023-24 year include:
– 42 high school students earning credentials for completing 60 hours of training in the Engineering Primer Program.
– 18 young adults earning credentials for completing 60 hours of training in the Engineering Fundamentals Course.
All the students from these programs were given the opportunity to meet with prospective employers at the Hartford Job Fair, which MakerspaceCT hosted on Friday, June 7, 2024. Many of the students are in the process of following up with potential employers for job interviews.
MakerspaceCT’s commitment to students continues through 2024:
All young adults in the Engineering Fundamentals Course were granted free memberships to MakerspaceCT’s shops and facility until the end of the year. This membership allows them to continue learning and working on projects using MakerspaceCT’s state-of-the-art technology and tools, and keeps them connected to a community of like-minded makers and innovators.
Youth from the Engineering Primer Program will also have opportunities to advance their knowledge and skills. Many will participate in MakerspaceCT’s Summer STEAM program, with opportunities to learn about Virtual Reality Game Design, Robotics, 3D Printing, and more. Youth will also have the chance to join the MAKE’N’ABLE Program this fall, where students build 3D printed upper limb assistive devices for people in need.
About MakerspaceCT:
MakerspaceCT is dedicated to positively impacting lives by enabling access, innovation, and education. Located in Downtown Hartford, Connecticut, the non-profit organization offers a 28,000 square foot innovation lab where individuals and communities can explore traditional skills alongside advanced technologies. From metal, wood, and plastic fabrication to high-tech specialties like CAD, 3D printing, and CNC machinery, MakerspaceCT empowers students and members to pursue their interests and bridge the gap between education and industry.
Learn more about MakerspaceCT at https://makerspacect.com/.