Tech Em Studios Hosts a 3D Printing Workshop with the Richmond Area Mensa Gifted Youth Program
Newly opened after-school technology enrichment program in Short Pump offers classes, camps and training in applied computer sciences.
Release Date: February 6, 2014
For immediate release
Tech Em Studios (http://www.techemstudios.com) and the Richmond Area Mensa Gifted Youth program (https://www.facebook.com/groups/RVAGiftedKids) will be hosting a 3D-Printing Workshop on Sunday, February 16, 2014 beginning at 1 PM at Tech Em’s facility in Short Pump.
Mensa students and their parents will learn fundamentals of 3D design and printing using Tech Em’s MakerBot® Replicator® printer. The 3D design class exposes students to tablet-oriented CAD (computer-aided design). Students can start with an existing design to customize or create their own. They will be guided on the core concepts of three dimensional design and current 3D printing constraints: 2D vs. 3D; 3D gestures and manipulation; optimized print orientation; and support structures. Participants will leave the class with the know-how to create a printable 3D object and ultimately take home their own printed object.
“Seventy-five percent of the fastest growing occupations over the next decade will require a solid education in math and computing, according to the US Department of Labor. Sadly, America has been surpassed by other countries, most notably India and China, in educating its youth for careers in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM),” states Mensa leader Eric Szczerbinski. “The shortfall of qualified STEM teachers in our schools has left our kids at a disadvantage in their future participation in the global job market. Luckily, new ventures, like Tech Em have come along to fill this void. We look forward to our kids participating in events and classes at Tech Em.”
Tech Em Studios is a newly opened after-school technology enrichment program that offers classes, camps and training focused on computer science and computer-aided design. With courses in coding, 3D printing, software design and device building, Tech Em’s instructors teach students at all levels the critical STEM-related skills required in the 21st century. By emphasizing art in technology, Tech Em helps students understand the exciting and evolving relationship of technology and art. Furthermore, Tech Em offers practical classes and training for adults and the entire family to ensure everyone can efficiently leverage the current device-laden environment.
The program was developed by local IT software engineer and entrepreneur Wray Mills. “It is well known that there is a technology education and workforce gap growing in the US,” states Mills. “Therefore, we are compelled to create more local technology education opportunities in a way that is fun, open, and inviting for all ages and abilities. We want to get young artists using technology as a tool, supplement existing STEM curriculums to boost interest in technology at a young age, provide introductory and in-depth pre-Engineering training for teens, and provide classes to level-set adults on the technology around them.”
An open invitation is extended to all media to attend the event. Tech Em founder Wray Mills and Mensa leader Eric Szczerbinski will be made available for interviews.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Tech Em Studios
Wray Mills
11551 Nuckols Rd., Suite J Glen Allen, Virginia 23059
Phone: (804) 306-5210
Website: http://techemstudios.com
Photo Stream: https://www.facebook.com/techemstudios/photos_stream
Richmond Area Mensa Gifted Youth
Eric Szczerbinski
eric@szczerbinski.net
Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RVAGiftedKids
NOTE: Please consider including Tech Em in any future Camp, Enrichment, or Birthday Party guides in the future. THANKS!
