A Makerspace – also known as a STEM Lab - encourages computational thinking, fosters engineering design skills, supports STEM integration, builds collaboration and community skills, and introduces emerging technologies to students at various grade levels. These spaces can be their own unique location or can be integrated into existing spaces through mobile stations and kits. Students are encouraged to explore and understand STEM principles through experiments, observations, and working with their peers.
Makerspaces are designed around a school’s educational goals and include various stations focused on core learning areas. United Way for Southeastern Michigan is proud to partner with EY to create a Makerspace for students at Bennett Elementary in Detroit!
The aim of this project is to help create a space where students can engage in and experience hands-on learning in STEM principles. Every school's Makerspace may be different, but this space will include the following zones:
- Arts & Crafts
- Building & Legos
- Coding & Engineering
- Interactive & Problem Solving
- STEAM Gaming
Project and Volunteer Tasks Overview:
- Room Preparation (Cleaning, priming and painting walls, organizing materials, etc.)
- Jan. 27, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: 14 volunteers
- Jan. 28, 1 - 4 p.m.:
Shift full
- Makerspace Installation (Assembling equipment, building furniture, staging the room, etc.)
- Feb. 3, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: 15 volunteers
- Feb. 4, 1 - 4 p.m.: 7 volunteers
- Makerspace Reveal (Facilitating activities with students in the Makerspace)
- Feb. 11, 2026 - 15 volunteers
- 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Volunteers may be handling power tools, using stepladders, and lifting boxes and furniture. Volunteers should wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can get dirty.
Please note: Volunteers will need to complete and pass a background check for this opportunity. When you click the Respond button, you will be taken to the background check website to complete the check form. Once you submit your form and your check has cleared, we will follow up to direct you to complete your volunteer registration.
