SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwired - Apr 11, 2016) - TechShop Inc., a membership-based, do-it-yourself (DIY) workshop and fabrication studio, today announced that it has launched a month-long nationwide fundraiser to support its successful STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) scholarship programming. Proceeds from the first-ever STEAM fundraiser will expand the program and make it available in an after-school format at all TechShop locations nationwide for up to one thousand 8- to 17-year-olds.
TechShop is the global leader in makerspaces, offering access to millions of dollars' worth of facilities, equipment, software and instruction in each location, all supported through expert staff. The goal of the STEAM scholarship fundraiser is to provide opportunities for youth who would otherwise not have access to TechShop's summer or after-school STEAM programming. In total, students in the STEAM program receive 30 hours of education in collegiate-level industrial design and electrical engineering concepts during a period of six months through supervised lab time with instructors. This type of educational curriculum, set in a fun and encouraging environment, is essential to developing engineering and innovative thoughts in young adults.
"We've had immense success with our STEAM program across TechShop locations in the U.S., providing kids the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of STEAM education by exposing them to collegiate-level concepts and training that will help them as they continue to grow and learn in their community," said Mark Hatch, CEO and co-founder of TechShop. "I invite people to learn more about this special opportunity and donate to the TechShop STEAM scholarship program, and together we can help make the dreams of the next generation of young engineers, artists, designers and makers a reality."
With the help of TechShop's strategic partners and through the generosity of individuals, TechShop is prepared to match every dollar raised -- even donations that exceed the goal. This means that the actual goal of this campaign is to provide $1.3 million worth of scholarships to young people who want to learn how to become makers using STEAM principles and the cutting-edge technologies that TechShop provides.
Ford Motor Company is a staunch supporter of STEAM education and has graciously partnered with TechShop in this campaign, pledging $240,000 toward the overall goal.
The TechShop location in the Detroit Metro area was launched with key support from the office of Ford Global Technologies, LLC (FGTL), and President and CEO Bill Coughlin. FGTL has supported pilot STEAM programs at TechShop starting in 2014 offering STEAM programs that include TechShop tours, equipment demonstrations, FIRST Robotics training, week-long robotics and build camps, mobile unit off-site trainings and professional development talks to give youth insight into the vast STEAM careers available in the automotive and manufacturing sector. After watching each phase of TechShop Detroit take shape, Coughlin is enthusiastic about the next natural phase of the Ford/TechShop alliance to generate the pipeline of future innovators.
"It's hard to think of a more inspiring program for children than to prove to them that they can create useful products using the latest tools available to grownups," said Coughlin.
The campaign runs through May 11, 2016. To donate and learn more about how to get involved in the TechShop STEAM scholarship project, including perks and a video message by Hatch, visit the Indiegogo page at https://www.indiegogo.com/project/preview/e5385839#/
About TechShop, Inc.
Founded in October 2006, TechShop Inc., is a membership-based, do-it-yourself (DIY) workshop and fabrication studio that provides access to a vibrant community of creative makers and millions of dollars' worth of facilities, equipment, tools and software in each location. Based in San Jose, Calif., with locations globally, TechShop offers classes, workshops, instruction and training for people of all ages and skill levels to build whatever they can dream. For information on memberships and course listings, visit www.techshop.com, email info@techshop.com or call 855-TECHSHOP. You can follow TechShop on Twitter at @TechShop and on Facebook as TechShop Incorporated.