Today, the Remake Learning Maker Learning Collaborative is gathering to celebrate and discuss its latest report, the result of a yearlong effort to begin to actualize the working group’s vision for the future of Maker learning in southwestern Pennsylvania.
The report builds on the working group’s State of Maker Learning in Southwestern Pennsylvania report, which was published in February 2023 and established their vision for the future of maker learning:
Robust, accessible maker opportunities in every community, which empower people to pursue creative pathways and positively impact their own lives and the broader community.
In recognition of the fact that no one person or organization alone can actualize this vision, the working group established four Maker Learning Collaborative Affinity Groups, led and composed of stakeholders from four areas:
- K-12
- Out-of-School Time
- Higher Education
- Industry
In the new report published today, each of these four groups have identified goals, assets, growth areas, and collaborative commitments to connect the dots across sectors to improve the maker learning ecosystem.
The affinity group leads expressed the energy, enthusiasm, and importance of the findings presented in the report:
“Educator’s voices are integral in developing makerspaces and should be amplified throughout the design and implementation process.”
Samantha Schmitt, K-12 Lead
“Much of the work up until this point has been about rearranging the spice cabinet. Now it’s time to start mixing and using the spices.”
Zena Ruiz, Out-of-School Time Lead
“Makerspaces bridge the gap to opportunities in higher ed.”
John Balash, Higher Education Lead
“Developing meaningful connections between industry and maker education drives innovation, and creates accessible pathways to coveted skills.”
Nate Broadus, Industry Lead
If you’re interested in getting involved in this work to realize a more connected maker learning ecosystem in southwestern Pennsylvania, join the Maker Learning Collaborative today by contacting group lead Nick Schiner.