PVD Young Makers, in partnership with Community Libraries of Providence (CLP), Providence Public Library (PPL), the City of Providence and other community partners, provides MakerSpace/STEAM based learning opportunities in all of Providence’s 10 Providence Public Libraries and the Community Libraries. Smith Hill, Wanskuck, Rochambeau, Olneyville, Mt. Pleasant, Washington Park, South Providence, Knight Memorial, and Fox Point.

Our goal is to support the development of the next generation of designers, teacher-learners, and creators with urban youth.

In July of 2021, Providence Public Library (PPL) directors approached PVD Young Makers
to help curate and build out what would be PPL’s inaugural gallery installation.

PVD YM Intern, Bellie is a leader in creating Art opportunities for youth, speaks on the future of creative minds through Innovation Studio, is a champion for mental health awareness and is now a successful young entrepreneur. Bellie is completing her Junior Year at the MET school and will be entering RISD pre-college this summer.

Our goal is to support the development of the next generation of designers, teacher-learners, and creators with urban youth. Some recent project experiences include:

  • Daily STEAM programming in Community Libraries of Providence (9 locations)
  • Design | Make | Manufacture & Autodesk Inventor Programs w/ the MET high school
  • PASA, After Zone collaboration w/ Providence Middle Schools
  • PASA/HUB @ 360 High School – Makerspace techniques, production
  • Young Makers Entrepreneurs, Marketplace Sales & Tabling
  • Under the Queer Umbrella ACN course & club
  • Sankofa – Entrepreneurship, Product Development, Public Speaking & Engagement
  • Solid State – Manufacturing, Electronics, Soldering Woodworking, Sound Design, Tool Safety
  • Providence Neighborhood Planting Program – City-certified 7 youths as Providence Tree Keepers, Urban Forestry, Ecological Stewardship
  • Garden Planter Build – Landscape architecture, Engineering, Math, Tool Safety, Construction
  • Board of directors grounds keepers appreciation graphic design project

21st century creative workforce skills and work experience with Providence High School students

One of the hallmark features of this partnership is our Teen Intern program which offers BIPOC students the opportunity to broaden their exposure to and development of 21st century essential skills. This paid program provides Providence High School students with an array of opportunities to pursue their creative interests and passions while developing 21st century creative, workforce skills and work experience within their local communities.

Interns explore STEAM, Education and Entrepreneurial pathways, develop essential skills, grow hands-on, technical experience through machine-learning, and share what they learn through mentoring and giving back to their community. The interns’ growth and impact is amplified as they assume responsibility for supporting the delivery of STEAM programming to thousands of library patrons over the course of each year.

This is done by teaching and supporting the development of the skills needed to initiate and implement creative programs while obtaining stipend payments. Our teens learn how to use maker-space tools, technology and develop coaching skills while gaining real world experience working with library patrons and staff. In turn, their training has an exponential effect as they connect and share their knowledge and enthusiasm for STEAM, design and learning with thousands of younger students throughout the city.

Our goal is to support the development of the next generation of teacher-learners with urban youth. This is done by teaching and supporting the development of the skills needed to initiate and implement creative programs while obtaining stipend payments. Our teens learn how to use maker-space tools, technology and develop coaching skills while gaining real world experience working with library patrons and staff. In turn, their training has an exponential effect as they connect and share their knowledge and enthusiasm for STEAM, design and learning with thousands of younger students throughout the city each year.

Teen Interns learn how to inspire younger patrons to engage in maker-centered learning and are trained to:

  • Promote PVD Young Makers projects, programs and successes in and outside of the library 
  • Assist with collecting and maintaining program data 
  • Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing with adults, children and other peers
  • Mentor and teach children and teens in the library setting
  • Interact with diverse patrons with varying ages, languages and cultures 
  • Use computers and other technology skills (Google Suites, 2D/3D design software, makerspace digital resource library)
  • Use tools and technology and teach learned skills to peers and library patrons
  • Become proficient in technology including 3D printers, vinyl cutters, laser cutters, heat presses, sewing machines, basic computer coding, and robotics
  • Work effectively and collaborate with PCL and PPL staff, PVD YM staff and fellow interns