In 2016, the State Library of Pennsylvania has been accepted to partner with public libraries to become part of the MakerEd Corps! Program resources and information will be shared with libraries across the state that wish to participate in STEM programming for the summer of 2016!

In addition, District Libraries will be receiving lists of STEM items and a $3,000 grant to purchase items from this list. These items are to be shared with the member libraries to hold STEM programs for their patrons, with emphasis on K-12. The categories of supplies are these:

• Biology & Chemistry
• Circuitry
• Construction
• Forensics
• iPad & accessories
• K-6
• Physics
• Robots

Are you interested in participating in MakerEd?

See below for more information, and click the link to apply!

Apply now to be a 2016 MakerCorp member!

What does a Pennsylvania Maker Corps Member do?
PA Maker Corps Members are maker-in-residences at the State Library of Pennsylvania and participating Pennsylvania libraries. The State Library has become a Maker Corps 2016 partner site, as have any libraries in the state who wish to participate. National Maker Corps sites represent an inclusive spectrum of youth-serving organizations and programs with many museums, libraries, schools and school districts, science centers, after-school and community-based programs– and because Maker Ed recognizes and encourages a wide variety of making– every partner site is unique in their program offerings and audience. Read about national past Maker Corps partners here.

Who can apply?
Maker Corps Members come from a large variety of backgrounds and levels of experience. Ideal Maker Corps Members possess:

• Interest in creativity, DIY art and science projects, and making things.
• Passion for educating.
• Ability to engage effectively with children, adults, and organization staff.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and presentation skills.
• Awareness and sensitivity in interacting with diverse populations.

Curious about past Maker Corps Members? We have a profile series featuring past Maker Corps Members:
Meet a Maker.

Requirements:

• 50% of a Maker Corps Member’s time must be dedicated to direct service– engaging children and families in creative making opportunities, while gaining experience serving as a community leader. Maker Corps Members will also spend a portion of their time as makers-in-residence, focused on developing ideas and programs for their partner site.
• Maker Corps Members are required to participate in the Maker Corps online community by contributing stories, photos, reflections, etc.
• Applicants must live, or be willing to travel to, a community hosting a Maker Corps program. Note that the Maker Ed will not cover any additional moving and/or housing expenses. However, some partner sites may provide assistance. Please inquire specifically about these needs in your application.

 

What is the Library’s Makerspace? 

A Library’s MakerSpace is a place for kids and patrons to experiment with technology.  Ours contains computers with Autodesk and coding software, several types of robot kits, Raspberry Pi and Ardunio kits, and, of course, 3D printers. Outside of the summer programs, the MakerSpace is open by appointment for patrons and school groups five days per week, plus the second Saturday of the month.

What can I do at the Makerspace? 

The program at the State Library of Pennsylvania will have the theme of forensics. Volunteers for this program should have an interest in Criminal Justice, Forensics, Robotics, Biology or Chemistry, or a willingness to work with someone who does. Programs will take place in the State Library’s MakerSpace, which is located on the second floor of the Forum Building in Harrisburg.

Schedule of Makerspace Events for Summer 2016

06/08	Fingerprints
06/15	Footwear
06/22	Fiber ID/Hair analysis
06/29	Flowers/Insects
07/06	Ballistics
07/13	Blood splatter
07/20	Bite analysis/Bones
07/27	Poisons
08/03	PCR/Serial numbers
08/10	Microscopic lab/Outbreak forensics
08/17	Crime scene
08/24	Crash scene

Once you have registered with the MakerEd Corps, we will contact you for more information about what you are most interested in making!

By state law, all volunteers must pass the background check. More information on these checks can be found at:
http://www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov/clearances/index.htm.

These checks are free for volunteers, and can be obtained at https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home.

Submit your application today!

Apply now to be a 2016 MakerCorp member!

Questions? Contact ellshenk@pa.gov