During the past few weeks TOM volunteers conducted interactive workshops in elementary classrooms to introduce students to topics like disabilities, engineering, and problem-solving.
Collaborating closely with elementary teachers and administration staff for the past two months, TOM volunteers aimed to familiarize elementary students with TOM’s key topics. The goal was to ignite their passion for learning and inspire them to explore these subjects further.
“We have worked hard to design, plan, and execute a series of workshops during this couple of months prior to the TOM Makers of TOMorrow event,” Pascual Cardozo, 12th grade student and leader of Makers Of TOMorrow, said.
The workshops not only aimed to educate students but also encouraged them to think creatively and critically about how they can contribute to solving real-world problems, instilling in them a sense of empowerment and responsibility.
“Participating in these workshops made me realize how limited my own creativity and knowledge about engineering and problem-solving are. It’s truly impressive to see the capabilities these kids have and the remarkable things they can build,” Rafael Martinez, 11th grade students and TOM Makeathon Co-Leader, said.
The overwhelming enthusiasm from both teachers and students has sparked a growing interest in the TOM program, with more students eagerly anticipating the chance to explore the world of engineering and disabilities. This surge in interest bodes well for the future of TOM, suggesting a continued growth in participation and impact.
“I believe that the exponential growth of Makers of TOMorrow compared to last year is due to the project’s potential being recognized by influential leaders and businessmen. This has generated a lot of interest and support for the initiative,” Pablo Arango, 12th grade student and TOM leader supervisor, said.
Looking ahead, TOM volunteers are excited to continue inspiring young minds and fostering a community of passionate learners and creators. They believe that by continuing to offer engaging workshops and activities, they can empower students to explore their creativity and problem-solving skills.
“The workshops aimed to show students how much fun they can have building and creating solutions, while also learning important skills like engineering, programming, and design. We also identified students who showed exceptional potential to ensure they can participate and even lead teams during the Makers of TOMorrow event,” Pascual Cardozo, TOM Makers of TOMorrow Leader, said.
As TOM prepares for its upcoming event, the team is confident that the impact of these workshops will resonate with students long after the final project is completed. They hope that the skills and knowledge gained from these workshops will not only benefit students academically but also inspire them to pursue careers in fields like engineering and design.
“I consider the workshops to be more than a success. They not only achieved their main goal of familiarizing students with the topics but also showed them how enjoyable and rewarding it can be to create solutions and help others,” Martinez said.
With the enthusiasm and dedication of volunteers like Cardozo, Arango, and Martinez, the future of TOM is indeed bright, promising even greater success in the years to come. The team is already planning future workshops and activities, eager to continue their mission of inspiring young minds and making a positive impact on their community.
“The future of Makers Of TOMorrow looks promising. We will continue to hold workshops and activities, and we will soon share information about how students can sign up to participate in the event,” Cardozo stated.