Ways to Engage with the STEAM Centers
The PCC STEAM Centers are interested in academic collaborations with PCC faculty and employees, as well as external organizations and partners. Fortunately, there are many different ways to engage with the STEAM Centers to match your availability, bandwidth, program needs, and interests, all the way from introducing students to the STEAM Centers with a short tour to engaging in program- and course-specific activities.
Levels of Engagement
Class Tours and Orientations
Bring students in for a tour of your campus STEAM Center. This is a great way to introduce them to the location, share open lab hours and workshop schedules, and see the available equipment.
Independent Student Engagement
Encourage students to work on class assignments in the STEAM Centers. Our team of Lab Techs will provide useful feedback and training on equipment and processes. Students can use technology and available materials to make their class assignments more professional looking.
Student Research & Special Projects
Mentor a student who is working on a grant funded project like the Eco-Social Justice Grant, or doing research on a larger project. The STEAM Centers can offer space to meet, tools and equipment, and a collaborative environment.
Send a student employee to create swag, stickers, and signage! STEAM Centers are a great place to provide student employees with practical experience in developing practical and promotional items for your program.
Class Connection Guides
Work with the STEAM Center Coordinators to create a “Class Connection Guide” that will lead prospective and current students through an introductory project that will lead directly to your curriculum and careers in your field.
Integrated Class Projects
Talk to a STEAM Center Coordinator about scheduling a class-specific workshop pertinent to your coursework. Do you have an assignment that would benefit from 3D printed or laser cut objects? We can arrange class visits for activities related to your assignments and course materials. We will help brainstorm activities that meet your course outcomes and coordinate with support staff or partner programs. We are also available to visit your classroom leading up to a workshop to share project details.
Workshops that Build Skills
Students, staff, and faculty members can participate in workshops that offer training on particular processes and equipment. These often provide insight into understanding the possibilities and limitations of materials and equipment and can provide inspiration for future projects. We run series of Maker Basics workshops throughout the year, have opportunities for sequential learning workshops, and hold fun seasonally themed workshops.
Instructor Training / Professional Development Workshops
Talk to a STEAM Center Coordinator to schedule a workshop for you and your colleagues. Consider holding a SAC meeting in a STEAM Center with a creative activity to experience what kinds of equipment, materials, and workshops are available. We will tailor the training to best support your curriculum and Pathway needs.
Program Collaboration
Departments can partner with STEAM Centers to align our resources with program needs for long-term integration. We work with community and industry partners like the Oregon STEM Hubs, Regional Education Services Districts, OMSI, NAYA, IRCO, iUrban Teen, K-12 School districts, Lam Research, and PCC Career Connected Learning to bring students together for large, impactful events like Manufacturing Day, Career Fairs, multi-day Summer Camps, STEM outreach events and more. Through intentional collaboration, planning and resource sharing, we can help bring your big ideas to life!
Interested in collaborating?
Contact a STEAM Center Coordinator at your campus or email the whole STEAM team at steam@pcc.edu.