Moreno Valley College will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for its iMAKE Innovation Center on Thursday, December 6, at Noon. The College will unveil its iMAKE Innovation Mobile Center in the John Coudures Plaza and then move the festivities to the Student Academic Services Building.
The event is free and open to the community, although College parking restrictions will be enforced. Please see metered parking machines for parking regulations.
MVC was one of 24 colleges to receive a California Community College Maker Implementation Grant from the California Community College Chancellor's Office. The Chancellor's Office awarded the College $100,000, renewable for a second year, through a competitive process to create an inclusive makerspace community, provide internships, and develop curriculum to prepare students with innovation and entrepreneurial skills to thrive in the regional economy.
Makerspaces are the latest innovation to assist students, faculty and staff to interact on shared interests, learn to use tools, make class projects, and develop knowledge through exploration and hands-on experiences, explained Carol Pepper-Kittredge, CCC Maker Statewide Project Manager.
"Makerspace community members collaborate and teach others, enabling students, faculty and business owners to interact in ways not possible in the classroom, enriching students' education," said Pepper-Kittredge. "Faculty members are discovering how making entrepreneurship and projects for social good can be incorporated into their teaching. Students benefit from freely exploring their interests while learning to use laser cutters, art supplies, electronics labs, sewing machines, milling machines and many other creative tools."
MVC identified ecosystem partners in the local region such as the city of Moreno Valley, Base 11, and the Desert Regional Consortium, done through a design thinking process to plan a makerspace, conduct student activities to access student interest, and engage faculty in the CCC Maker Initiative.
"We are excited to introduce this fantastic resource,” Melody Graveen, Ed.D., dean, Instruction, Career & Technical Education, said. “The iMAKE Mobile Innovation Center is designed as a collaborative space which will bring back the art of making and foster creativity. It is an inspiring environment for makers to cultivate their passion to enact change in the world by developing solutions to real-world problems and we look forward to sharing it with our community.”
The Chancellor’s Office believes the statewide initiative will drive innovation in education and prepare students for success in STEM/STEAM careers that demand 21st century skills.
“This grant will allow the College to further develop leaders," Robin Steinback, Ph.D, president said after securing the funding. "Everyone needs a little inspiration in their career journey and this grant provides students with experiences beyond the classroom, opportunities to explore careers, and learn through real-world scenarios.
“As a result of the grant, MVC will be able to develop an innovative education model for students, giving them the opportunity to be better prepared to work in our regional economy."