Paddle Raise for Makerspace
The finale to the auction fundraiser is a “paddle raise” to provide Waring School with a new makerspace lab. There is an 1,250 square foot space in the Forum building that will be transformed into a creative place where students can design, build and learn. This space, centrally located on the campus, is an ideal spot for easy and frequent access by all students, particularly during focus-flex. Some possible uses of the new space include, academic class of all kinds, robotics teams, and student initiated activities. We aim to build a space in which individuals and groups can use low and high tech tools to build and create.
Makerspaces, also sometimes referred to as "hackerspaces," and "fablabs" are places where students are encouraged to tinker, invent, build, explore, innovate, make and do. Makerspaces can be equipped with tools as simple as hammers and sewing machines, to machines as sophisticated as CNC mills and laser cutters. Students learn practical and technological skills while gaining self-confidence. They will see that they have the ability to build something that expresses an idea or tests a theory or solves a problem, or perhaps is just beautiful in their eyes. The makerspace we envision will support Waring School’s strategic goal of integrating and enhancing hands-on learning across disciplines, particularly in science, technology, engineering and math. Francis Schaeffer has taken on the role of STEM Coordinator and will oversee this renovation project over the summer.
Our goal is to raise $20,000 for the makerspace. An anonymous donor has generously agreed to match dollar-for-dollar every contribution made tonight, up to a maximum of $20,000. This is an incredible opportunity to double your impact. All of the funds raised tonight will be put to work immediately. We plan to use the proceeds from tonight's paddle raise to begin construction this summer and open the new makerspace this fall. Fully outfitting this space will take time and additional fundraising; if we exceed our goal tonight, we will be able to outfit the space sooner. If you are interested in supporting this project beyond tonight’s paddle raise, please talk to a member of the Advancement team.
The paddle raise starts with donations of large amounts, and gradually progresses to smaller amounts. You raise your bid paddle at the amount you would like to give and the amount is charged to the credit card you provided at registration. Your gift to the paddle raise is 100% tax-deductible. Please notify one of the Advancement Staff members if you would like to recommend a grant from a Donor Advised Fund instead of charging a donation to a credit card.
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” - Benjamin Franklin
