Local group provides free desks for students in need
Building Momentum is an immersive problem-solving organization that teaches aggressive problem solving using tech tools like 3D printing, robotics, electronics, welding.
The CEO of Building Momentum noticed that while his son was doing virtual kindergarten classes, some of his classmates did not appear to have desks or workstations to use, which gave him the idea for Desks for Kids.
The team is thrilled to partner with several organizations throughout the community that will help bring this initiative to life.
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The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters donated the wood.
The Virginia Tech alumni are the muscle behind the work, creating the equipment.
Alexandria City Schools and Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington help determine placement and need for the desks once the desks are completed.
The inventors and innovators impacting communities have also partnered with the Carpenters Union and Alexandria City Schools to launch Desks for Kids, a program that aims to deliver 100 desks per week to area community centers that are facilitating virtual school for the children of essential workers. They plan to expand this program to help children from underserved communities who do not have their own desk and designated workspace at home.
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The desks are being manufactured right in the group’s shop in Alexandria on a CNC mill, which is a computer-controlled wood cutting machine, an important tool in progressive manufacturing work. The desks can be quickly produced out of two pieces of plywood.
Also, starting in late October Building Momentum is launching After-Zoom classes for area high school students. The tech-focused classes will teach kids Arduino or basic electrical skills like how to make circuits and coding. They will also offer a program on welding, 2D and 3D design, laser cutting, and 3D printing. The classes, which begin October 16th and will be held weekly at the group’s facility in Alexandria, are perfect for students who are more tactile and project-based learners interested in robotics, engineering, and technology.
The group has been innovating nonstop since COVID-19 struck in March. Their efforts were so innovative, that it caught the eye of Amazon Prime Video and they were featured on the docuseries Regular Heroes.
To inquire about receiving a desk, CLICK HERE.
