VIDEOS: Why We've Added the M3D Micro to Our 3D Printing Toolbox

With our 3D ThinkLink Initiative now in its fourth year, and 3D design and printing technology evolving faster than ever, we're always on the lookout for new tools that are well-suited to our work with at-risk youth. We've been testing the Micro 3D printer made by M3D and are quite pleased with the results. 

Our Director of Instruction, Tom Meeks, is so impressed that he's making a series of video tutorials about the M3D Micro. The key to the successful use of any 3D printer is to understand how it works and what the operator can do to ensure the best performance and reliability. That is what our M3D video series will try to address.

The videos are primarily for our teachers and students in the programs we serve, such as National Guard Youth ChalleNGe, the PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families and AMIkids -- but we're happy to share them with all 3D printing enthusiasts. Here are the first two:

The Micro is a valuable addition to our 3D ThinkLink toolbox for many reasons. First of all, it makes high-quality prints. It's easy to use, reliable, compact and quiet. It can handle more types of material than the 3D Systems Cube printers we use at most of our class sites, including flexible and thermochromic filaments. And, yes, it's quite affordable for such a versatile machine. 

Each 3D printer in our toolbox is chosen to fill a unique role. While the M3D is a bit slow to be used in the classroom when compared to our Cube 2 and Cube 3 machines, it is the perfect "personal printer" to be used by teachers and our Youth Mentor students outside the classroom. It extends our educational work beyond the classroom and into the community.

Better Tools, Better Teaching

Although we haven't deployed Micros at program class sites yet, we have purchased several for our 3D ThinkLink Creativity Lab, where we've introduced our teachers to them. Our expectation is that teachers will enjoy using the Micro so much that they'll greatly increase their own 3D design and printing skills, then use that knowledge to better tailor our 3D ThinkLink curriculum to their students' particular needs. 

Tom Meeks demonstrates the M3D Micro during 3D ThinkLink teacher training

The Micro is also part of the Tech Pack we give our top students when they complete training to be Youth Mentors. Their mission is to use the printers in sharing their 3D skills with people in their communities, acting as role models to promote positive change.

Freestate ChalleNGe Academy grad Aunya' Jones, our first Youth Mentor,
works with her M3D Micro printer

As Tom noted in his Idearoom3D blog, we're eagerly awaiting the release of the bigger, faster M3D Pro, which won't have to be connected to a laptop while printing. Meanwhile, keep an eye on our YouTube channel for more tips about using the M3D Micro.

The 3D ThinkLink Initiative: We Can’t Do It Alone

It takes a team to make our 3D ThinkLink Initiative work. Fortunately, we have great partners in this project to build better lives for at-risk youth.

As we move from summertime to a new season of 3D design and printing classes for our students, we’re reminded of how many people and organizations are contributing to the success of our mission.

Topping our MVP (Most Valuable Partners) list is AOC Solutions, which is headed by YouthQuest Co-Founder and Vice President Allen Cage. He explained his dedication helping to at-risk youth recently in a post on the AOC blog:

“I’ve always believed it’s important to give back, especially to young people,” said Allen O. Cage Jr. “During my 24 years of active duty in the Army and over 20 years in business at AOC, I’ve traveled a lot and seen kids who are dealing with some tough situations. A little help can make a big difference. So I think it’s very important to raise funds and give back to these kids.”

Allen’s commitment is contagious. Many AOC employees donate their time and talents to YouthQuest, including Valerie Hightower, recipient of our 2016 Volunteer of the Year Award.

We also honored Duncan-Parnell as our 2016 Community Partner. Like previous award winners Prototype Productions, Inc. and 3D Systems, Duncan-Parnell hosts Vocational Orientation events for our students twice a year, along with providing technical support for our 3D ThinkLink Creativity Lab.

Longtime supporters like Charlie White at BLA Financial contribute in a variety of ways. Every year, Charlie donates a day of sailing the Chesapeake Bay aboard his 46-foot sloop as one of the items in our golf tournament’s silent auction. This year, Charlie was among the first to purchase a $500 Tech Pack that will empower one of our top students to serve as a mentor. He’s also promoting our Youth Mentor Program on BLA’s website. 

This is an exciting time of year. We’re coming off last month’s golf tournament, our signature annual fundraising event. In a couple of weeks, we’ll host a teacher training session and a new cycle of 3D ThinkLink classes will begin soon at the DC, Maryland and South Carolina Youth ChalleNGe Academies.

In the months ahead, we’ll expand our partnership with the PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families and Horizons Hampton Roads.

None of this would be possible without the generous support of our many partners. If you would like to join the team, please contact Operations Manager Juan Louro at juan.louro@youthquestfoundation.org or (703) 234-4633. You can also click here to make a donation. 

Introducing the 3D ThinkLink Youth Mentor Program

Our 3D ThinkLink training includes 30 hours of classroom instruction and labs, a four-hour community service project and a day of Vocational Orientation. Students selected for advanced training spend a week in our 3D ThinkLink Creativity Lab to deepen their understanding of 3D design and printing, and to further develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills.

But then what happens?

We want our students to retain the benefits of their 3D ThinkLink experience after they’ve completed their training. In fact, we want them to spread those benefits to others.

3DThinkLink students introduce youngsters to 3D printing
at the 2014 USA Science & Engineering Festival

That’s why we’ve launched a program to exponentially increase our foundation’s ability to reach at-risk youth.

The goal of our Youth Mentor Program is for the life lessons we instill in our students to be passed along from person to person, spreading through under-served communities.

We’re going to give our most motivated and capable advanced students the tools they need to continue learning about 3D and to share their knowledge with their family, friends and neighbors. 

Each student in our Youth Mentor Program will receive a Tech Pack, which includes a 3D printer, design software, laptop computer and training.

Your donation of $500 will buy a Tech Pack for a deserving student. To contribute to this important new program, please contact YouthQuest Operations Manager Juan Louro at juan.louro@youthquestfoundation.org or (703) 234-4633.

We know that mentoring is especially beneficial for at-risk teens.

By turning our students into mentors as they make the transition to adulthood, we will build up their self-esteem and empower them to inspire younger kids and even older people.

They will drive positive change from within their communities by giving back and being role models, as well as resources for 3D design and printing.