A few years ago our students started designing and making shirts for the school. Have you ever seen the look on a student's face when they see somebody wearing their design? Leslie and Angel were glowing when they saw the entire Whitford Soccer Club wearing their shirt design! I'd love more students to feel that same pride.

I would like to provide opportunities for our students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade to design, develop, and create their own products. A vinyl cutter, 3D printers, and CNC router would give our students an exciting experience to be creative in their designs, while simultaneously learning important career building skills. Not only is this an extension of our district CTE programs, but it provides a unique opportunity for our younger students to experience this as well. Right now, BEF is matching the first $500!

At Whitford, we've curated a student store, called the Coachmen Corner, where students can "sell" their creations. Coachmen Corner is cash-free operation - the only currency is "Cool Coachmen" (rewards students get for positive academic and/or social behaviors). The vinyl cutter could allow us to print our own decals, signs, and posters. The CNC can be used to create tools, toys, and art . . . all student-made. They can create their designs part of the technology curriculum, but the results go far beyond the classroom. We are requesting $1600: $600 for the CNC, $150 for a shopvac, our vinyl cutter is $260, $525 for two 3D printers, and the little remaining is for materials (vinyl, acrylic, filament, wood . . . ).
 

This is an exciting project that encourages creativity, collaboration, and innovation. It lines up with our middle school technology targets, aligns with high school CTE programs, as well as with the district's vision of providing career training to our middle school students.  CAD, vector graphics, coding, and manufacturing are all a part of Beaverton's technology curriculum , so let's have fun and frame that in a new way!  It's not too early to get people exploring potential careers and it's always a good time to let students be creative.