Rotarians Use Building Skills to Help STEAM Center

By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

Members of the Rotary Noon Club of Mesquite gathered at the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math (STEAM) Center in the Mesquite Plaza on Thursday evening to volunteer in assembling equipment for the new center. The Rotarians used their skills to build a table to be used in the Lego section of the STEAM center.

The table had four sections that utilize plastic tubs for storage and a plywood top with a Lego tile surface. The actual construction of the IKEA product was a learning experience for the Rotary members. It was finally completed in two work sessions.

STEAM Center Director Liz Larson gave the Rotary Club a tour of the impressive facility. The educational opportunities for the young people who take advantage of the facilities are immense.
The center is equipped with a media room with a green screen and sound-proofing material on the walls, Kids can learn to do podcasting and editing videos.

Another room has the Lego building equipment, 3-D Printers, robotic supplies, art supplies, Lazer cutters and more.

There is a library and resource area where kids can get help with homework and other projects.
Larson was bursting with excitement verbalizing all the great learning features the center will provide to area kids.

The Center will also have instructors for these supplies who will teach classes in the use of the equipment and the mental concepts and skills needed to operate it; like math and science. Classes will be offered after school hours in the next school year; and also learning programs will be open this summer throughout the summer break.

The STEAM center is being operated by the Mesquite Works organization, a local nonprofit seeking to develop a vibrant workforce in the community. It is made possible through a generous grant from the Frias Trust which gave the Mesquite Plaza shopping center property to Mesquite Works for the development of the STEAM center.

The STEAM program is focused to help students K-12 reach their academic, professional, and personal goals by facilitating the development of 21st century skills.
“Our Rotary Club is pleased and proud to help move this community endeavor forward,” said Noon Rotary President Jake Noll.

“We want to build a skilled local workforce so that we can more effectively recruit companies to the area that can tap into that workforce,” said former City Councilman George Gault who is a founding member of Mesquite Works. “The STEAM center will offer a variety of hands-on educational programs for kids K-12. These include short-term career training for certifications in fields like HVAC, electrical, welding, plumbing, health care services and more.”

The STEAM center is gearing up for a grand opening event in early June. Keep an eye on The Progress for more details as they become available.