We are requesting funding for a 3D printer to enhance the learning experiences of all students at Drew Elementary. This innovative technology will empower students to bring their ideas to life through hands-on exploration in STEM, design thinking, and creative problem-solving. The 3D printer will support cross-curricular projects in science, math, technology, literacy, and the arts—enabling students to prototype inventions, model complex ideas, and apply critical thinking in tangible, engaging ways. This project supports student-centered learning and aligns with our district’s vision for preparing all learners for future-ready careers.

Drew Elementary serves a diverse student body with many students from low-income households and underrepresented backgrounds. As a Title I campus, our students often lack access to advanced technology that fosters exploration and innovation—especially tools that make STEM education hands-on, relevant, and inspiring. There is a critical need to expose all students to engaging, high-level STEM experiences early in their academic journeys. National trends show underrepresentation of minority individuals in STEM careers. Early access to technologies like 3D printing not only ignites curiosity but also affirms students’ identities as makers, engineers, and problem-solvers. While we currently incorporate project-based learning, our students face limitations when translating their creative ideas into tangible outcomes. For example, during a recent interdisciplinary unit, students designed cities complete with transportation systems and parks, but struggled to accurately represent their visions using clay. With a 3D printer, students can move beyond the limitations of simple materials and bring their designs to life with precision, innovation, and pride. The 3D printer will directly impact 350+ students across grades 3–5 each year. However, the influence will extend to the entire school through visible placement in a central hallway, student-led showcases, and class-wide visits.

Our initiative is guided by SMART goals and evidence-based instructional strategies: Specific: Within the first semester, students participating will complete a hands-on design challenge using 3D modeling and printing tools aligned to grade-level objectives. Measurable: Student success will be measured using rubrics focused on creativity, problem-solving, and design execution, along with reflections and project presentations. 
Achievable: With tools like Tinkercad and teacher support, students will learn to design digital models and translate them into physical objects, regardless of prior experience. 
Realistic: Our campus culture supports innovation and cross-curricular integration. Teachers are ready to implement 3D printing in science, math, literacy, and more. The 3D printer will be placed in a prominent, secure area known as Cougar Street—a well-traveled hallway where students pass between classes. This placement will make the design process visible to every student, sparking curiosity and fostering a school-wide culture of innovation. Students will see their peers’ creations come to life layer by layer, generating conversations about creativity, engineering, and design. In addition, we’ll host: Weekly live demos or “Design in Action” displays. Interactive hallway exhibits of finished student work. Design Day events where entire grade levels participate in themed 3D challenges. 
This 3D printing project reflects our commitment to providing equitable, inspiring, and transformative learning opportunities for every student at Drew Elementary. It will empower students to dream, design, and develop solutions to real-world problems—instilling confidence and interest in STEM at a pivotal stage in their education. With this grant, we are not simply purchasing equipment—we are opening doors. We are affirming that innovation belongs to all students, and that brilliance can be built, layer by layer, right here at Drew.