Support Young Aspiring Mexican Tech Inventors

MakersLab  encourages students to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) through a series of theoretical and practical activities through which they obtain a comprehensive understanding on the fundamentals of design, electronics and digital manufacturing.

Thanks to your support, we are able to implement STEAM-based educational programs on our RIA centers with a considerable impact on marginal communities. This allows students to prepare themselves to face the challenges of the modern tech industries and improve their chances of getting a better quality of life by working in this emerging sector. One story that we want you to know is Julio's. Julio began as a student in the MakersLab, continue his way as a volunteer and currently  teaches some courses in this space. But who could be better than him to tell you about how the MakersLab has changed his life:

"I have always thought that successful people are those who go out of their comfort zone to search new things. This way of thinking, allowed me to find the RIA centers. I’m a student of Mechatronics Engineering in the Mexican National Technology Institute; on my seventh semester and in the search of an institution where I could make my social service to finish my career.

Thanks to a classmate, I learned about the RIA centers and the MakersLab which has courses and tools that enable me to grow both academically and personally with the objective of participating in tech industries. Inside this space I was able to enroll in courses on design and manufacturing using several tools such as laser cutting machines, 3D printers and CNC routers. The use of these tools allowed me to get a better understanding of the Makers philosophy.  My willingness to learn and practice what I have learned in my career encouraged me to finish the whole route for digital manufacturing and eventually do my social service in the MakersLab.

Getting to know more about these machines allowed me to design and manufacture the materials I needed on my MakersLab courses, such as the Maker Camp kit and other educational materials.

When I finished my social service I decided to go further and do my professional residence through a project aimed to manufacture and design a 3D printer. All of this, while teaching courses on 3D printing, computerized engraving through CNC and laser cutting.

Currently I’m working on obtaining my degree and looking for a place to work in which I can exercise all the knowledge I got both on the university and in the MakersLab. Without a doubt, this training will provide me with access to job opportunities and a better quality of life. Thank you Nokia, Global Giving and Fundacion Proacceso for trusting me and supporting my professional development."