ROCHELLE — Students in the HUB Project will soon have their hand in learning state-of-the-art technology thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL).

The grant money will be used to fund a 3D printing lab at the Rochelle Middle School for students to work on guided and self-created Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) projects.

Amy Hayden, HUB Project Coordinator, said she received notice of the grant award last week.

“We will work in conjunction with Mr. (Vic) Worthington in the  lab as our printers are the same as what the kids will use in his class,” Hayden said. “The goal is to expose them to more projects and options with 3D printing, along with careers that they can explore with this skill set.”

One of the projects slated will be an object the students can sell and in turn donate the proceeds to local service organizations.

“With this, the students will learn more about printing and economics, along with the skills associated with leading a service project,” Hayden added. “We are really excited as we know the sky is limitless with this technology.”

The printers will be purchased in January and operational as soon as possible.

More on HUB

Along with the STEM fields, students get the chance to experience several programs including Spanish classes, PE and Art clubs. Over 200 students are enrolled in the HUB Project programming, including the a.m. and p.m. sections. The morning HUB is offered Monday through Friday from 7 to 8 a.m. and the afternoon sessions are Monday through Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. 

The afternoon includes snacks and recess along with homework time, math and literacy and the STEM projects.