Yvonne Shortt 's Design & Printing Challenge for NYC Students

In May, CC3DP (Creative Challenge in 3D Printing) held their first pilot challenge in 3D printing. It was based on a 12 week season where students used CAD software and 3d printers to create a play set that fit in a 6"x6"x6" inch box. And, the students came from 3rd through 8th grade. The students that participated hailed from Rego Park, Woodside, Jamaica, Astoria, Long Island City, and Laurelton.

CC3DP is the brainchild of Ms. Yvonne Shortt. Ms. Shortt spent three months talking with after schools, private schools, and public schools about her concept. Then she trained each teacher in CAD software and 3D printing. "3d printing is about creativity and innovation, and that's exactly what our kids and community need," says Ms. Shortt.

All teams used CAD software and 3D printers to create play sets. Then, after 12 weeks students brought their fabricated pieces to the challenge. At the challenge, students presented their designs to 4 judges.

The judges were comprised of an industrial designer, architect, teacher, and industrial engineer. There was also a live challenge question that students worked on for an hour. Later in the day, there was an educational expo where over 450 community members came to learn from the young students. Visitors hailed from as far away as PA.

"We had over 100 students participate and trained over 20 teachers," says Ms. Shortt. "Next year we will have over 200 students from the 5 boroughs," says Ms. Shortt. "The most exciting part was walking around the tables and seeing their amazing work while hearing them speak and answer questions about it."

Ms. Shortt wants to grow the challenge nationally. And, given her background in education, technology, and math she seems like the perfect person to make it happen.

To learn more about the Creative Challenge in 3d Printing go to cc3dp.org. They have space for 10 more teams for their next season and registration just opened.