Capital One Bank, Propeller, IDIYA Unveil New Makerspace For Mildred Osborne Charter School
NEW ORLEANS – Mildred Osborne Charter School staff and students will join Capital One Bank, Propeller and IDIYA to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the school’s new Makerspace Lab today, Monday, September 12, 2016, at 6701 Curran Blvd., from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thanks to a $126,100 grant by Capital One Bank, Propeller and IDIYA are able to provide the latest in technology to train students in advanced skills.
Those scheduled to attend include Propeller Executive Director Andrea Chen and Propeller Education Program Manager TraciAmanda Washington, Capital One Bank Southeast Louisiana Market President Karen DeBlieux, IDIYA CEO Domenic Giunta, Educator Andrew Winstead and Mildred Osborne staff and students.
The Makerspace, poised to transform learning in schools, counteracts traditional standards, testing and uniformity, providing a fresh approach to hands-on learning that emphasizes creation and creativity through advanced computer-aided equipment.
“Like Propeller and IDIYA, Capital One Bank is committed to helping the youth of our community have access to a quality education — particularly programming that helps them develop skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Capital One Bank Southeast Louisiana Market President Karen DeBlieux. “This new Makerspace enables students to enhance their digital skills, learn about advanced manufacturing, and gain an appreciation for the do-it-yourself-style of working. We believe the Makerspace can build hope in the minds of students that they can improve the world around them and become leaders in this community and beyond.”
Mildred Osborne was selected out of eight schools by a committee of representatives from Capital One Bank, Propeller and IDIYA to receive the installation of the in-school Makerspace following a 16-week teacher training program funded by Capital One Bank. Selection was based on successful completion and mastery of the curriculum, quality of proposed Makerspace lesson plans and demonstrated support from the school administration.
As part of the training, participants were guided to design in CAD, program in Arduino (i.e. sensors and outputs), and safely operate advanced manufacturing equipment including 3D printers, Computer Numeric Controls (CNC), advanced machines such as laser cutters and CNC mills, and metal/wood working, all of which are installed in the new Mildred Osborne Makerspace.
"Bridging the digital divide helps to even the playing field for New Orleans students," Propeller Executive Director Andrea Chen said. "By providing Mildred Osborne students with a Makerspace in their school environment, we hope to spark a love of technology and creative making that will inspire students to pursue knowledge economy and STEM careers."
Capital One Bank reps said through an integrated approach called ‘Investing for Good,’ Capital One Bank orchestrates the delivery of core banking services along with specialized community development, philanthropic and volunteer support to generate lasting, local community impact and valuable business results.
This donation demonstrates Capital One Bank’s long-standing commitment to the development of the communities it serves, particularly greater New Orleans, bank reps said.
