At the Faulhauber FabLab, students don’t only learn, they lead. Whether it be encouraging the STEAM passions of younger kids or designing a curriculum for STEAM topics, Pine View juniors Prabhav Govindu and Aashima Goswami, along with senior Parker Wilding dive into what they love about volunteering for the organization.
The FabLab is a nonprofit that aims to offer STEAM-based opportunities to younger generations and create equal opportunities for all people. They have a variety of different programs available, such as SPEC, which is an instructor program where older teenage volunteers teach younger kids about different topics in STEAM.
Goswami is a SPEC program senior instructor who plans and develops curriculum for younger students in middle or elementary school on a variety of different topics. Some topics Goswami specializes in include architecture, forensic science, and biology.
FabLab is a very diverse community that has a vast variety of opportunities for everyone. Unique programs they have include summer camps, workshops, LEGO RoboRumble, and Rocketry Club.
“It’s unique in the sense that it’s almost like a family. . . it’s very rare that you’re going to find another place where everyone is passionate about something, and those passions can be so diverse,” Goswami said.
Govindu, who has been at FabLab for three years, thinks volunteering there is a very rewarding experience that can teach you many valuable skills like leadership and confidence.
“I feel like the FabLab starts out as just – you might think it’s just another place you volunteer at, but you really go there and… you build a community there. . .” Govindu said. “You gain your confidence and a space that you’re comfortable with your fellow peers.”
Through FabLab, volunteers like Goswami have also learned many technical skills, such as how to use a razor cutter, CNC router, and even how to code.
“It creates this area where we recognize that we’re all passionate about something, and sometimes I want to learn about something else, and Fab Lab is the best place to do that. It’s almost like a safety net. I’m not afraid to fail because I know that there’s people who have my back,” Goswami said.
Wilding has been at FabLab for three years. He started off as a support volunteer who helped out the instructors. Wanting to be more involved, he joined the SPEC program as an instructor.
“It’s a really good experience because you, first of all, get to pick any topic you want, something you find interesting, research it, develop a whole curriculum, and then teach it to these younger kids, and to watch them kind of learn and feel passionate about something that you’re passionate about is absolutely incredible,” Wilding said.
FabLab is an amazing community built by people who are passionate about STEAM. By fostering confidence, leadership, and learning in a safe environment, FabLab allows for the creativity of students of all ages.