The program began in Katy and Fort Bend County in October. The YMCA is working to expand the number of sites to visit, officials said. It is one of the initiatives from the Community-based Outreach Program, which delivers resources and creates connections for families—such as water safety classes, before- and after-school programs, and food and supply pantries.
The extended programming is funded by a grant from the American Rescue Plan Act, according to the release.
The goal of this STEM enrichment program is to provide youth with high-quality curriculum in their own neighborhoods. It focuses on computer coding and programming, robotics, 3D printing, basic circuitry, puzzle creation and solutions, augmented reality, and virtual reality.
Community Outreach Director Jeremy Hickman said in the release these interactive tasks facilitate an active and collaborative learning environment, which encourages children’s inventiveness, exploration, innovation and problem-solving skills.
“The Y on the Fly Mobile Makerspace makes it easy for children to experience new paths by bringing STEM learning programs to them,” Hickman said in a statement. “With such a wide array of activities and subjects, we are able to further the education of our youth, helping them grow as both a student and an individual.”
According to the release, there are two Mobile Makerspace units in operation. Y on the Fly’s Power Up bus—another mobile program that focuses on health and wellness, social and emotional learning, and sports and nutrition—recently came online when the ARPA grant was secured. It will follow the same path as the Mobile Makerspace units, officials said.
The Mobile Makerspace serves outreach sites, corporate events, summer camps and schools, and it is also available for community events upon request.
