Makerspace offers summer intensive for K-12 STEAM teachers
Educators can earn stipend for completing program
The University of Cincinnati Ground Floor Makerspace and the Greater Cincinnati STEM Collaborative (GCSC) are piloting a professional development opportunity for K-12 STEAM teachers in the greater Cincinnati region.
The Makerspace Intensive will take place June 5-16, Mondays through Fridays, in the 1819 Innovation Hub, 2900 Reading Road in Cincinnati. Participants will be given six weeks of free Makerspace access after the intensive ends.
The free program will include equipment trainings, discussions, and individual and group work sessions. Participants may up earn up to a total of 40-60 professional development contact hours and a stipend of up to $250 for completing all program requirements. Parking and lunches will be provided.
“Here in the UC Makerspace, we define ‘making’ as including design, challenge-based learning, crafts, tinkering, inventing and performing maintenance and repairs. These activities develop initiative, resiliency, problem-solving and collaborative work skills. These are all part of the 21st century skills that are in demand by employers,” said Ben Jones, Makerspace director. “We believe that the process of making can be transformative, helping individuals gain confidence in solving problems that matter.”
There are a limited number of slots available. Applications are due May 19. Participants will be notified of their acceptance no later than May 24.
Sean Kelley, director of the Greater Cincinnati STEM Collaborative, said the partnership with the Makerspace is a strategic extension of the work the collaborative does with teachers, students, families and community partners to engage young people in hands-on experiences that lead them to explore STEAM education and career pathways.
“As an original member of the MakerUSA Learning Network, GCSC is committed to accelerating social mobility and community-driven innovation by expanding these pathways for underserved students into maker careers and entrepreneurship,” Kelley said. “Beginning with the teaching professionals in the classroom with these students is the natural first step.”
Featured image at top: K-12 STEAM educators can leverage the UC Ground Floor Makerspace prototyping and fabrication facilities this summer through a selective two-week intensive program.
Innovation Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Why do female caribou have antlers?
February 24, 2026
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati discovered that female caribou feed extensively on shed antlers they find while grazing to supplement their diet with important minerals they need to raise calves. This could explain why female caribou, unique among deer, have antlers.
Discovery Amplified expands research, teaching support across A&S
February 19, 2026
The College of Arts & Sciences is investing in a bold new vision for research, teaching and creative activity through Discovery Amplified. This initiative was launched through the Dean’s Office in August 2024, and is expanding its role as a central hub for scholarly activity and research support within the Arts & Sciences (A&S) community. Designed to serve faculty, students, and staff, the initiative aims to strengthen research productivity, foster collaboration, and enhance teaching innovation. Discovery Amplified was created to help scholars define and pursue academic goals while increasing the reach and impact of A&S research and training programs locally and globally. The unit provides tailored guidance, connects collaborators, and supports strategic partnerships that promote innovation across disciplines.
Get ready for your next job with a NEXT Mindset
February 17, 2026
University of Cincinnati students will discover how to prepare themselves for the workplace during the NEXT Mindset Professional Readiness Day on Feb. 24 at the 1819 Innovation Hub.