Fund-a-Need: Digital Arts and Engineering Pathways

Each year, as part of the Zephyr Gala celebration, the MAEF Board of Trustees selects an innovative educational proposal that has the potential to impact students of all ages.

This year, the MAEF Fund-a-Need appeal supports Mahtomedi Public School’s goal to strengthen digital art and engineering pathways for students by funding a Digital Arts classroom at Mahtomedi Middle School and equipping the Fabrication (Fab) Lab at Mahtomedi High School with industry-grade engineering technology.

Digital Arts Classroom at Mahtomedi Middle School

Beginning in Fall 2024, students at Mahtomedi Middle School will have the opportunity to learn more about the elements and tools of current and emerging technologies and how to use them to create artwork through photography, video, and graphic design in the new Digital Arts classes. Digital Arts will be required for all 7th-grade students and offered to 8th-grade students as an elective.

Donations will help equip the classrooms with:

  • Digital cameras and tripods

  • iPads

  • Lighting kits

These classes will satisfy the new MN State Arts Standards, as well as give students an opportunity to build foundational skills that would prepare them for high school art, business, and engineering courses.

Fabrication (Fab) Lab at Mahtomedi High School

Enhanced technology in the Fabrication (Fab) Lab at Mahtomedi High School will help Mahtomedi Public Schools lead the way in engineering and industrial trades education. Industry-standard technology will enrich students' learning experiences, foster career readiness, and prepare them for success in higher education and the workforce by providing hands-on learning, skill development, project-based experiences, and career exploration opportunities.

  • Students will gain the skills needed to seamlessly transition into a job or apprenticeship with very little additional training, or admission into a two or four-year post-secondary institution. 

  • These programs are not just for aspiring engineers, but for all students who want to build professional skills for their careers. The engineering courses at Mahtomedi High School work in collaboration with business, arts, and culinary courses.

  • Partnerships and donations to this year’s Fund-a-Need will help equip the Fabrication (Fab) Lab at Mahtomedi High School with

    • Industry-grade, Computer-aided Design (CAD) Lab

    • Tormach CNC Router

    • Desktop ShopBot

    • Stratasys F190CR 3D Printer

    • UR Robot Cart

Click here for more information about Career Pathways.