Hands On Minds On: Design, Build, Learn, Repeat

Verified Non-Profit

Verified Non-Profit

The Description

I am seeking funds to develop a hands-on technical trades program for low-income students in Portland, Maine. Currently, there is no clear path for students to become skilled trade laborers in our community. Since starting this program, I have observed a high level of interest and enthusiasm from both students and parents. However, the program is currently unfunded, and all materials and tools have been donated. With your help, I can expand this course and allow all 8th graders in our school to have access to this experience throughout the year.

My program will include units in rocketry, woodworking, metal works, and horticulture, which includes aquaponics, hydroponics, and winter-cold frame techniques. To support my woodworking program, I need consumable lumber, screws, bits, drills, hammers, and sanding equipment. For the metal works program, I need copper wire, galvanized wire, torches, mandrels, rubber hammers, goggles, and gloves. For the horticulture program, I need farm troughs for the fish, pumps, PVC, floating plant rafts, pots, lights, and compost.

I am willing to speak with anyone serious about funding this program. As a teacher of 20 years, I am confident that this will be the greatest accomplishment of my career, and most importantly, it will provide students with a valuable learning experience they may otherwise never have had access to.  

Back Up Plan

If we do not reach our goal, my first action will be to purchase the necessary rough materials to keep us afloat, specifically woodworking consumables. If there is any surplus, I will initiate the process of developing a horticulture room, which will consist of a series of aquaponic tanks and grow lights.

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About the Creator

Hello, my name is Dave and I am a teacher at King Middle School in Portland, Maine. I teach 6th and 8th grade STEAM to a diverse group of students who speak 26 different languages. Many of my students come from low-income backgrounds. I believe in a hands-on and minds-on teaching philosophy, which is why I have recently created an amazing Industrial Arts space. However, we are in desperate need of materials to continue our projects. We have already built and tested rockets, constructed beautiful birdhouses, and we are now making high-quality gemstone and crystal jewelry to sell at our fundraiser event in the spring. I have reached out to many companies for donations, but we still need more contributions to help lift this program to higher levels. In my 20 years of teaching, this has been by far my most rewarding experience, as I see how much my students enjoy this class and how much of an impact it has already made. I hope you can help us continue our vision and support our program.hands-on and minds-on teaching philosophy, which is why I have recently created an amazing Industrial Arts space. However, we are in desperate need of materials to continue our projects. We have already built and tested rockets, constructed beautiful birdhouses, and we are now making high-quality gemstone and crystal jewelry to sell at our fundraiser event in the spring. I have reached out to many companies for donations, but we still need more contributions to help lift this program to higher levels. In my 20 years of teaching, this has been by far my most rewarding experience, as I see how much my students enjoy this class and how much of an impact it has already made. I hope you can help us continue our vision and support our program.

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