Arlington Hills Community Center to Offer Area Teens Free Access to a Laser Engraver and 3D Printer this Summer
Teens will have access to a laser engraver and 3D printer at Arlington Hills Community Center this summer. The equipment is on loan from Johnson High School’s Fab Lab, thanks to funding from a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
The equipment will be housed in the Arlington Hills Community Center’s Createch Studio, where it will be available for use Mondays through Thursdays from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Fridays from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., beginning June 11. The Createch Studio is a creative tinkering space for youth ages 13-18. Youth are encouraged to stop by and check out, learn about, and experiment with the equipment. There is no charge for use of the studio or equipment. Createch Studio is in the lower level of the Arlington Hills Community Center, 1200 Payne Ave, Saint Paul MN 55130, 651-632-3870.
Saint Paul Public Library and Parks and Recreation staff were trained at Johnson High School on proper use of the equipment. This summer, they will be joined by eight Johnson High School students who will be paid to help the Createch Studio manage, maintain, and operate the equipment.
This project is intended to offer work experience to the Johnson High School students, and increase STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) knowledge for youth visiting the studio.
The project was made possible, in part, by funding from the Minnesota Department of Education through a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.