LETS: Prepare for the Future
With funding provided by a grant from Arkansas National Science Foundation EPSCoR, teachers will learn how to integrate emerging technology into their classrooms, inspire the next generation of leaders, and prepare tomorrow’s workforce to thrive in the new economy. There is no fee to attend and each registered teacher will receive free technology!
Professional development workshops & free technology
LETS: Prepare for the Future is a set of workshops led and facilitated by EAST in partnership with NSF EPSCoR whose mission is to strengthen research and education in the area of Science and Engineering in Arkansas. Workshops begin June 5th and are available to any K-12 teacher in Arkansas. Each registered teacher for LETS: 3D Print and LETS: Code in the Classroom will receive a free 3D Printer or pi-top respectively. Registration for these two sessions are limited to one session per teacher.
LETS: 3D Print
June 5, 2023 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
LETS: Write a Grant
June 7, 2023 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
LETS: Code in the Classroom
June 8, 2023 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
LETS: 3D Print
LETS: 3D Print
June 5, 2023, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
We will go through the process of setting up your 3D printer, running your printer, and maintaining it over time. In particular, we will cover the basics of how to find educational models that already exist, tips on helping your students create 3D models for their projects, walk you through how to 3D print models, and go through tons of free programs and resources to get you started.
In this hands-on class, you will be 3D printing on your new machine! You will have access to an internet-enabled device to design and find models on but feel free to bring your own device to ensure all your settings will be correct for the start of the new year. Any computer, Chromebook, or tablet will work. If you are bringing your own device please download Matter Control prior to the training date. https://www.matterhackers.com/store/l/mattercontrol/sk/MKZGTDW6
Each participant will receive a free Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo EDU Bundle to take with them to use in their classroom.
Location: In-Person
EAST Initiative
6215 Ranch Dr
Little Rock, AR 72223
Office Hours Webinars
Virtual office hours will be provided throughout the year to further your knowledge and understanding of the 3D printer. Dates and times will be communicated to all participants later. Webinars are optional.
LETS: Write a Grant
LETS: Write a Grant
June 7, 2023, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Sara Drew has 18-plus years of experience in the nonprofit sector. With this experience, she obtained a wealth of knowledge in writing grants and the must-haves to include in any grant to increase the chances of it being awarded. As a participant, you will be guided in creating your own grant writing toolkit specific to your school or program. Upon completion of the workshop, your toolkit will include basic language and a summary of your program, standard templates, and documents that many grant applications require. You will learn to write a basic beginner's grant and will have the opportunity to submit the grant should you choose to do so. We will use the Education and Broadening Participation Mini Grants available through the DART Seed Grants program. Please bring a project idea that you would like to fund.
Location: In-Person
EAST Initiative
6215 Ranch Dr
Little Rock, AR 72223
LETS: Code in the Classroom
LETS: Code in the Classroom
June 8, 2023, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Learn how to design and code with pi-top with our very own student trainer, James Levisee. In this session, you'll learn the essentials of pi-top, and learn about their social learning platform which has dozens of projects to take your class through, as well as cheat sheets, training videos, and teacher support materials. He will also take you through basic troubleshooting and how you can use this technology with the students in your classroom.
Each participant will receive a free pi-top[4] with foundation kit to take with them to use in their classroom.
Location: In-Person
EAST Initiative
6215 Ranch Dr
Little Rock, AR 72223
Office Hours Webinars
Virtual office hours will be provided throughout the year to further your knowledge and understanding of the coding. Dates and times will be communicated to all participants later. Webinars are optional.
Meet your LETS: 3D Print Trainer
Joel Gordon has been a technician, artist, designer, and fabricator. As an Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer, he received advanced training in electronics and computer programming. After leaving the military, he studied art, design, and mechanics and was Scenic Lead and Production Engineer at the world-renowned Chicago Scenic Studios. Joel was Co-founder and Executive Director of Arkansas’s first Makerspace, The Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub. He has been invited to speak at events around the nation and has presented in Washington D.C. at the Capitol Hill Maker Faire and for the Congressional Maker Caucus concerning the new “Maker Economy” and micro and distributed manufacturing. Joel is currently the Senior Solutions Specialist for MatterHackers, the largest 3D printing solutions provider in the United States.
Meet your LETS: Write a Grant Trainer
Sara Drew joined EAST Initiative in January 2023 as the Development Director. She works with EAST to raise revenue for the organization and its programs. Sara has over 18 years of experience in the non-profit sector, including programming, education, fundraising, facilitation, marketing, and management. Sara received a bachelor's degree in History from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and a master's degree in Public History from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Sara lives in North Little Rock with her fantastic husband, their amazing son, a sly rescue cat, and a happy rescue dog.
Meet your LETS: Code in the Classroom Trainer
James Levisee is the owner of Lingo Technologies, a company focused on developing online applications and mobile apps. He started his career in web development 25 years ago. James is a native Arkansan who is happily married to his wife, Feleshia, and they have six children (3 boys and 3 girls).
