Create and Co. is a new hands-on learning space in Arkansas Tech University’s Crabaugh Hall that is designed to spark creativity in the Russellville High School and Clarksville High School students served by the ATU GEAR UP program.
Located on the third floor of Crabaugh Hall, Create and Co. provides students with opportunities to work with digital fabrication, media and technology tools. The resources include Cricut machines, heat presses, a Glowforge laser engraver, sublimation equipment, podcast production tools, virtual reality headsets, coding kits and drones. Students have opportunities to design and create custom products while developing skills in collaboration, communication, critical thinking, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The launch of Create and Co. on Friday, Sept. 25, was scheduled during National GEAR UP Week. An accompanying proclamation from the City of Russellville recognized the impact of GEAR UP in helping students prepare for college, careers and future success.
Kyndal Atkinson, ATU GEAR UP advisor, led the design of the Create and Co. space and will help deliver curriculum and activities there.
“Create and Co. reflects Arkansas Tech University’s commitment to providing innovative learning experiences that empower students and families to envision and pursue their futures,” said Dr. Tim Carter, dean of the ATU College of Education and Health. “Through hands-on exploration, career-connected learning, family engagement and entrepreneurship, this initiative strengthens the connection between education and opportunity. Create and Co. represents the goals of GEAR UP by helping students build the skills, confidence and aspirations necessary for success in college, careers and lifelong learning. We are pleased to add this new initiative to our GEAR UP efforts.”
Arkansas Tech was one of 26 educational entities across the United States chosen for a Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant from the U.S. Department of Education beginning with the 2024-25 academic year.
The grant, which is anticipated to last seven years and total $6.1 million, will allow ATU to serve more than 1,100 students from the Clarksville School District and the Russellville School District.
Goals of the ATU GEAR UP program are to increase the academic performance and preparation for post-secondary education of participating students, increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in post-secondary education and educate students and their families about higher education options, preparation and financing for success in post-secondary education.
Create and Co. was developed through funding provided by the ATU GEAR UP Program and in collaboration with ATU.
“Our goal is to provide students with meaningful, real-world experiences that connect classroom learning to future careers,” said Sheila Gamero, ATU GEAR UP project director. “Create and Co. allows students and families to explore creativity, technology, design, entrepreneurship and problem-solving while building skills that will prepare them for college, careers and lifelong success.”
This fall, Create and Co. will launch a series of family engagement workshops that will invite GEAR UP students and families to learn and create together through hands-on projects such as customized tote bags, mugs, holiday decorations and personalized gifts.
Local business and industry partners will be invited to share professional experiences and provide GEAR UP students with insights into career pathways and workforce opportunities.
In the future, ATU GEAR UP plans to expand Create and Co. by developing a dedicated STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) innovation space that will include a computer lab, additional fabrication technologies and advanced equipment such as 3D printers, embroidery machines and engineering design tools.
Learn more about ATU GEAR UP at www.atu.edu/ceh/gearup.php.
