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Educator Industry Insights: Maker Education for Impact

Educator Industry Insights is a NEW quarterly professional development series designed to bridge the gap between education and industry. Each session connects classroom educators with leaders in the STEM field to explore workforce trends, gain hands-on experience, and integrate real-world applications into student learning.

The goal is to equip the region’s educators with tools, insights, and practical experiences that help prepare students for in-demand careers and emerging technologies.

Our first session, in collaboration with Design to Make a Difference (D2MD), will focus on Maker Education and its power to create impact. Participants will explore how tools like 3D printers and CAD modeling can be used to design solutions that help others—specifically through assistive technology for individuals with physical disabilities. Each participating school will receive a donated 3D printer to use in their classroom.

Who Should Attend:

This opportunity is open to educators who are currently working with students in grades 3–12 and are ready to incorporate technology into a classroom project.

We can accommodate up to 20 schools, with up to 2 educators per school. Spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Educators who attend can receive 4.5 hours of Act 48 credits.

*Please note: All participating educators must commit to guiding their students through a 3D printing-integrated project and present it at the D2MD Student Showcase on May 10, 2026.

Location: Winchester Thurston School – Joan Clark Davis Center for Interdisciplinary Learning | 4951 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Questions? Reach out to Rafalene Costanza at rcostanza@pghtech.org.

For registration questions, reach out to Lauren Lowen at llowen@pghtech.org.

Thank you for our event partner:

Tentative Agenda:

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM: Welcome remarks and introduction to Design to Make a Difference
9:15 AM - 12:00 PM: Begin 3D Printer Workshop
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM: Lunch
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Resume Workshop

Registration Rates:

Member: Free
Non-Member: $160.00