Need some help, I'm building a state of art STEM community center and Makerspace

  • Thread starter Thread starter CRiley
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the development of a STEM community center and Makerspace in Lawton, Oklahoma, aimed at supporting underrepresented high school and college students. Participants are sharing insights and resources related to existing STEM facilities and programs that could provide guidance or collaboration opportunities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Chris Riley introduces himself and outlines his project, seeking information on similar STEM facilities for potential outreach and collaboration.
  • Some participants note that many existing STEM facilities primarily focus on K-12 education, particularly the lower grades, suggesting a gap in resources for post-secondary students.
  • A participant suggests specific organizations such as ARL, NRL, AFRL, and NASA, which may have STEM programs and could provide useful contacts or insights into community engagement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for resources and connections in the STEM field for underrepresented students, but there is no consensus on the availability or focus of existing facilities beyond K-12 education.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential lack of comprehensive data on STEM facilities that cater specifically to underrepresented college students, as well as the varying focus of organizations mentioned.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals involved in STEM education, community development, and outreach programs, particularly those focused on underrepresented demographics.

CRiley
Messages
1
Reaction score
1
My name is Chris Riley, and I am excited to introduce myself as the STEM Lead for The Fires Innovation Science and Technology Accelerator (FISTA). It is an honor to join this community of educators, experts, and enthusiasts who are dedicated to advancing STEM education and engagement.

I'm currently researching building a 10,000 sqft STEM and Makerspace for the Lawton Oklahoma community. We are focusing on creating the space for under represented high school and college students. The problem I'm running into is finding other STEM facilities focusing in this space.

Any help would be appreciated, but I'm looking for any facilities you may be aware of that I would be able to reach out to and visit. I thank you all in advance for the help and support!
 
Science news on Phys.org
Reopened after cleanup - please guys, no politics. Jeez.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: CRiley
You should try contacting ARL (and other DEVCOM sub units and ERDC), NRL (and various NSWC) and AFRL. They all have STEM programs and probably have people who are familiar with the broader community. Due to your proximity to Austin, you might also contact AFC. They are funding plenty of academic research and might also have some pointers.
NASA has a strong STEM focus. They probably have direct experience with underrepresented communities.
 
Last edited:
Reply
  • Like
  • Informative
Likes   Reactions: PhDeezNutz, russ_watters, CRiley and 2 others

Similar threads

Mechanical Engineering (BS) Vs. Pursuing Physics PhD
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Commercial Spaceflight After Philosophy; Help
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Current and Future AI Threats to Humanity and the Human Response
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K