On Tuesday, Administration Hosted Maker Faire Announced New Commitments to Pittsburgh from AmeriCorps, MacArthur Foundation / At White House, Carnegie Mellon Announced $5M Investment in New Interdisciplinary Programs that Advance Learning Through Making / AmeriCorps Set to Bring Makers Education Initiative to Pittsburgh to Target High Risk Youth
Washington DC- Following President Obama’s visit to Pittsburgh this week, the Administration additionally announced more commitments to Pittsburgh at its first ever Maker Faire. U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) hailed the Presidential visit as a sign of the region’s groundbreaking innovation, thriving tech sector and a rebounding manufacturing sector and highlighted the new commitments being made today at the Maker Faire. On Monday, President Obama visited TechShop, which trains workers to use modern manufacturing technologies. During his visit, President Obama announced a partnership between Mayors across the country to expand local manufacturing, bring advanced manufacturing equipment to more communities and expand investment in research and development and manufacturing technology.
“Western Pennsylvania has always been and continues to be a region that creates its own future,” Senator Casey said. “I’m thankful that President Obama visited this week to highlight the work being done in Pittsburgh and across the region to make progress on advanced manufacturing. The Maker Faire was another opportunity to showcase the work being done in Pittsburgh and the progress that can be made when government works collaboratively with businesses and non-profits to help residents gain important skill that lead to economic growth. These investments will create jobs and strengthen Western Pennsylvania’s economy.”
At this week’s Maker Faire, the Administration is announced that Carnegie Mellon will launch a multifaceted Maker campaign that will include a $5 million investment in an interdisciplinary program aimed at helping students learn through Making. Pittsburgh, through the MacArthur Foundation, is also set to become part of the Foundation’s ‘Cities of Learning.’ In Chicago, for example, a previous ‘Cities of Learning’ designation has helped students gain experience in e-textile fashion design and other emerging industries. Also, AmeriCorps will bring the Maker Education Initiative to Pittsburgh that will help high risk youth gain important skills that can lead to jobs.
