By Liz Dailey, Nick Imparato, and Ella Lathan

This summer, the Makerspace at Temple University Libraries’ Loretta C. Duckworth Scholars Studio (LCDSS) welcomed 30 high school students for a hands-on course in 3D design, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) modeling, and 3D printing. The program was a collaboration between three educational organizations and two technology companies working together to open doors to technology and design: Launchpad Philly, CreateAccess, the Scholars Studio, Comcast, and Bentley Systems. 

Launchpad Philly prepares Philadelphia students from underrepresented communities for the tech careers of the future, from software development to AI. Over two and a half years, participants gain 2,000+ hours of training, industry-recognized certifications, and paid work experience. CreateAccess engages beginners in 3D creation to ignite curiosity, build confidence, and help them see that careers in 3D are within reach. CreateAccess augments Launchpad’s core programs by introducing students to 3D creation through project-based micro courses. 

As part of this program, CreateAccess supported Launchpad students in learning foundational CAD modeling skills that enabled them to design custom trophies to be awarded at Ignite, Launchpad’s annual pitch competition.  

Ignite is a highlight of the Launchpad journey, where students practice design thinking, entrepreneurship, and public speaking while pitching app ideas that solve real problems in their communities. To inspire their designs, students also visited the Comcast Technology Center, where they toured the fabrication lab, were introduced to industrial design, and had the opportunity to work with industrial design professionals to create their initial trophy design concepts. They later had the opportunity to get feedback about their in-progress designs from colleagues from Bentley Systems. 

When asked about the partnership, Nick Imparato, Launchpad’s Program Director, remarked, “Having physical trophies to provide to Ignite’s winners took the event to the next level and provided a fantastic opportunity to showcase our students’ technical skill and creativity. None of this would have been possible without the incredible work of the CreateAccess team and the technical support and space the Makerspace provided.”

At the Scholars Studio, students brought their concepts to life. With access to the Makerspace’s state-of-the-art equipment and the support of staff, they produced the final 3D-printed trophies that debuted at Ignite. Combining Launchpad’s mission, CreateAccess’s expertise, insights from industry professionals, and the Scholars Studio’s resources gave students a powerful experience in design, problem-solving, 3D technical skills development, and innovation, preparing them for the rapidly evolving tech world ahead.  

“Exposing high school students to software like this increases their digital literacy within every CAD/CAM-applicable industry and prepares them to engage with it in college at a high level,” Hannah Tardie, Makerspace Manager, said. “It’s important to increase inclusivity and accessibility around these programs, not just because these students don’t typically have access to curriculum on advanced software and equipment, but also because they will push the field in new and dynamic ways.” 

Learning CAD/CAM software can be profoundly empowering. Tardie underscores, the process of designing objects and bringing them to life through 3D printing represents a form of worldbuilding that echoes what digital media scholar Ruha Benjamin describes as Radical Imaging. Engaging in 3D modeling encourages students to think abstractly about the possibilities they envision, transform those ideas into concrete designs, and then realize them through printing.  

This practice demonstrates to students that they have the ability to shape and influence their world. It also emphasizes that they are not limited to relying on preexisting objects or systems—they can create the tools, artifacts, and possibilities they want to see. 

Students’ feedback about the program highlighted the benefits of seeing how their ideas “came to real life” and their appreciation for an environment to “grow and develop.” Several highlighted their specific interest in 3D printing, which was made possible through the resources of the Makerspace.  

None of which would have been possible without the resources as well as the passionate, knowledgeable staff that work at the LCDSS at Temple University Libraries.  

“I was excited when Launchpad approached me with this program because it is exactly the type of work we want to grow and support in the Makerspace,” Tardie said. “I aim for the Makerspace within Temple Libraries to increase digital literacy and expand upon the definition of digital literacy and what that can mean for library patrons. I love that the collaboration between Launchpad and CreateAccess focused on training students to complete fun and interesting assignments on sophisticated, industry-standard digital software. CAD (computer aided design) software can be intimidating, and the projects I saw come out of this summer program were impressive and unique. It’s evident that the curriculum Launchpad X CreateAccess produced was intentionally planned and well executed.” 

Beyond the Makerspace, Launchpad and CreateAccess were able to use one of Temple’s state of the art computer labs at a different facility on campus to support a video game design track.

Joe Lucia, Dean of Libraries, remarked, “Our aspiration for the Charles Library has always been for it to function as an educational resource for our community and through its skilled staff and unique resources such as the Makerspace to bring it to life as an on-ramp for engaging curious students with new tools and technologies. It’s great to see those aspirations becoming reality and including young people from our neighborhood. It’s a wonderful realization of our vision.”

Programs like this are vital to Temple University Libraries and to the University as a whole. They embody our commitment to forward thinking and to investing in the next generation. As a library—and as an institution rooted in North Philadelphia—we carry a responsibility to foster education and opportunity. This program demonstrates how cultivating an inclusive environment, teaching real-world skills, and encouraging creativity can spark innovation, perseverance, and tenacity—qualities our world needs now more than ever.