Welcome to YouthQuest's 3D ThinkLink Blog

The YouthQuest Foundation serves at-risk youth by providing the resources they need to become successful adults. We believe education – development of academic, vocational and life skills – is the key.

The 3D ThinkLink Initiative is our signature STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) education project. We use instruction in 3D design and printing as a vehicle to teach critical thinking and problem solving skills, encourage creativity and boost self-confidence.

Unlike other 3D printing initiatives, ours focuses on at-risk teens, not the Science Club kids. We reach those who would otherwise never be exposed to such innovative technology.

Since the project launched in 2013, nearly 200 students have completed our training, which includes 30 hours of classroom instruction and labs, a 4-hour service project and 8 hours of Vocational Orientation at universities and businesses where 3D printing is used. Twice a year, we invite outstanding students from the introductory classes to our 3D ThinkLink Creativity Lab in Chantilly, Virginia, for a week of advanced training.

We work primarily with National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Programs serving Maryland, South Carolina and the District of Columbia, which run residential academies where high school dropouts get a second chance. This year, we began classes for students with high-spectrum autism at the PHILLIPS School in Annandale, Virginia, and a summer program for low-income 6th graders at Horizon Hampton Roads.

With the 3D printing industry in the midst of explosive growth, students who’ve gained hands-on experience with this revolutionary technology have an advantage in competing for STEAM-related jobs.

Even more important, the 3D ThinkLink Initiative teaches teens how to think creatively and solve problems through experimentation and step-by-step improvement. It dramatically shifts an at-risk child’s perception – and society’s perception – of what’s possible for them.

The 3D objects they create rarely turn out right the first time, but having user-friendly design software such as Moment of Inspiration makes it easy for our students to learn from their mistakes. Instead of getting frustrated and giving up as they used to do, they analyze problems, re-think their design decisions and print again until they’re satisfied.

They come to understand that failure is not final – in 3D printing or in life.