What could your school do with a $30,000 makerspace?

With a goal of promoting science, technology, engineering, arts and math education, the CIA (yes, that CIA) and Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education in Tennessee are partnering to host Mission Possible: Makerspace Nation, a competition for STEAM educators in Chicago to win their own makerspace full of equipment that encourages problem-solving thinking.

“A makerspace can include everything from 3D printers to electrical circuits and robotics components to cardboard, paper and glue,” said ORISE senior project manager Jennifer Tyrell. “Some schools don’t have the financial resources to implement something like a makerspace, so winning $30,000 to buy makerspace technology would make a huge difference for STEAM education at any school.”

The competition is open to anyone who educates STEAM subjects from 3rd to 12th grade at any public or private school in the city of Chicago.

“Educators create a short video for a chance to win $30,000 worth of makerspace equipment and supplies for their school materials,” Tyrell said. “The important thing to remember is that participation is not limited only to classroom teachers. If you are a media specialist, a STEAM coordinator, a technology coordinator, a principal who is interested in bringing a makerspace to your students, then this is a competition that you should enter.”

The deadline to apply for Mission Possible: Makerspace Nation is March 10.