Nanan STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Academy has donated a state-of-the-art 3D printer to the Holy Trinity Catholic School Division (HTCSD).

Shaun Nanan is the academic director at the Academy.

"This is just one technology tool that's essential for the future," he said. "This is something that will be used a lot more. We started using this in our summer camp that we had."

Nineteen kids were enrolled in the inaugural Skills for Success Summer Camp that was held from July 31st to August 4th at the Phoenix Academy located at 278 4 Ave NE. The camp, which was for children aged 6-13, was hosted by the Nanan STEM Academy in partnership with the Holy Trinity Catholic School Division and Skills Canada Saskatchewan.

"We saw how excited the kids were and how much they were able to learn by just playing around and developing their own 3D models in a software called TinkerCAD, which allowed them to 3D print the actual objects and see it come to life," noted Nanan.

NananStudents create 3D models in a software program called TinkerCAD

The Bambu Labs X1 3D printer is already being put to good use by HTCSD.

"This is something that they can introduce into the schools and that students can be exposed to this technology right away and learn those essential skills and using the tools for tomorrow," he added.

The Nanan STEM Academy after-school program starts back up on September 9, running every Saturday from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The program provides STEM education for youth in grades one through twelve and beyond.

"We have an exciting program that is designed to develop the person. It's designed to teach essential skills for the future of work. That's fostering the creativity and imagination and honing those problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, communication, cultural competency. It's creating confidence," said Nanan. "These are all the essential skills needed for the future. That is what the employers are looking for and also preparing students for post-secondary education as well."

The Academy also hosted a workshop at the Moose Jaw Public Library on August 26.

To register for programming, go to https://nananacademy.com/

In response to Canada's Online News Act and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) removing access to local news from their platforms, Discover Moose Jaw encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the Discover Moose Jaw app HERE.