Caldera High wins $15,000 classroom makeover

Published 10:45 am Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Caldera High School’s Makerspace Lab has been named one of the three winners of the $15,000 classroom makeover program put together by SELCO Community Credit Union.

The three winners were from Central or Eastern Oregon, Northwestern Oregon and Southwestern Oregon.

Caldera High’s project was selected by an online public vote out of nine finalists. The Makerspace Lab is a space for the Caldera career and technical education students to develop skills and expand their knowledge in engineering and manufacturing. The goal is for students to have access to industry-identified tools and technology and a space to create and design.

The grant was presented at Caldera High Dec. 13.

The original plan for the makerspace included three labs: metal fabrication, snowboard/ski design and manufacturing and bicycle maintenance and repair. Due to budget constraints, the only one that was completed was the metal fabrication lab. The grant will allow the other two labs to be finished, including tools, electrical work, storage space, equipment and other elements.

The program is part of the SELCO Steps Up initiative that launched earlier this year. One of its key goals is to introduce new programs in response to community need. One such need was additional financial support for educators.

SELCO defined classroom to mean any school learning space, including libraries, gymnasiums and outdoor spaces.