3D printing and a podcast studio: Cavs, Goodyear give 4th APS school's library a makeover

Jennings Community Learning Center eighth grader Andy Roblero had a problem.

He bought a computer case and a motherboard, but he was missing an important part — a backplate to keep out dust and debris.

"Dust may interact with the motherboard, pieces of the computer which will make it eventually not work anymore," he said.

He found the solution in his school's library. Using a computer program and a 3D printer, Andy printed himself a part to fit his computer to keep out dust.

"Because why not?" he said.

The library at Jennings was recently overhauled, as several other middle school libraries in Akron have been, into what's known as a "makerspace." It contains new, high-end computers, television screens and gaming consoles for esports, 3D printers, sewing machines, a podcast studio, Legos for building. The books are still there, they just line the walls now instead of in shelves in the middle of the room.

Superintendent Michael Robinson told Andy he wants to come back and design something for Andy to print. Robinson said he can't draw, but wants to try out the computer program.

"I'll come back so you can show me," he said.

The administration has partnered with Goodyear and the Cleveland Cavaliers to transform the libraries into the makerspaces. This is the fourth and last one the trio have partnered on in Akron.

Students provided demonstrations on the new technology for administrators and the Cavs guests. They let Akron school board President Diana Autry wear the virtual reality headset, sending her under the sea from the library at Jennings middle school. Two students sat in a green broadcasting and podcasting studio fielding questions from outside the room, and then broadcasting their answers live on one of the new computers outside the room.

The school had an assembly with members of the Cavaliers' front office, with guest appearances by former player Campy Russell, the Cavaliers Dance Team members and members of the team's drumline, the 216Stix.

Kevin Clayton, the Cavs' executive vice president and chief impact and equity officer, said he was impressed with the level of technology Jennings students would have at their fingertips.

"That is how we close the digital divide, and that is how we make sure that your generation is absolutely leading the next generation of young folks who will be leading this country," he said.

Robinson said the new space would help expand STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education.

"This is such a tremendous way of marrying our resources so that we can work together for our scholars," he said.

Autry said the lab was a perfect way to expose students to new technologies and opportunities.

"Exposure is so important to allow our students to continue to build," she said. "It also is a great preparation for the College and Career Academies." The academies start in high school and help students choose a career path to study, along with their regular high school academics.

Rafa Hernandez-Brito, Spanish broadcaster and community ambassador for the Cavs, took note of Jennings' diversity. Jennings is part of the North cluster, with many students who are immigrants.

"When I see all the different faces and cultures here, my advice is to embrace every one of you and learn from each other," he told the crowd.

Contact education reporter Jennifer Pignolet at jpignolet@thebeaconjournal.com, at 330-996-3216 or on Twitter @JenPignolet.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 3D printing and a podcast studio: Cavs, Goodyear give 4th APS school's library a makeover