Though there was no local available Makerspace when Scout Forrest L. was young, he still kindled a passion for Science Technology Engineering Art and Math (STEAM), and when it came time to choose an Eagle Scout project, he knew just what to do. He created a Makerspace for his town.

So what exactly is a Makerspace? Some refer to them as a “library of technology,” essentially, a place where people can go and use a variety of technology devices and tools to create things.

The Santa Clarita Valley Signal shared the story of how Forrest used his passion for STEAM to build a Makerspace in his town’s local library to give everyone in town an opportunity to learn to use these unique tools.

The space includes tools like soldering irons, calipers, and multi-meters; 3D printers; dedicated computers with digital arts programs, and coding programs like Scratch, Arduino, Tynker, and Unreal Engine; and circuit kits like Arduino microcontrollers, Raspberry Pi, and Little Bits. It’s a veritable playground for anyone interested in learning more about STEAM topics, and it’s all free for the people of the town.

“He wanted to do this because he didn’t have access to cool stuff like this when he was younger,” said his mother, Tracey.

“This idea of a Makerspace has swam in my mind for months,” Forrest said. “Now that I can combine my Eagle Project and my passion, I can put forth the best effort onto this project.”

Forrest also built an impressive website to offer more information and details about the Makerspace. On the site, he provides extensive details on what is available and the purpose behind the project.

Forrest stated that the aim of the Makerspace is to integrate STEAM into the education for youth in the community that may not have STEAM programs at their schools or who want to enhance the work they’re doing in school.

“Because it is a ‘Library of Technology,’ anyone looking to try out tools and technology in the STEAM field is welcome,” he said.

Be sure to read the article about the project in the Santa Clarita Valley Signal, and visit the Makerspace website to see more.

For more information on the ways Scouts like Forrest improve their communities, take a look at the Baylor University Study “Eagle Scouts: Merit Beyond the Badge.”