Tuesday, June 24, 2025
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79 ° Clear
STEAM education—blending Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math—ignites curiosity and prepares students for the future. The Bucks County Intermediate Unit (Bucks IU) Fab Lab recently invited Corporate Partners to its Warminster-based Center to experience firsthand how their support is fueling growth in STEAM education. In today’s fast-paced world, these STEAM disciplines are fundamental in helping children and youth develop critical thinking skills, solve real-world challenges, and make informed decisions.
This recent networking event marked the launch of the Fab Lab Corporate Partners Program, which creates opportunities for companies to invest directly in the Fab Lab and its programs.
Dr. Lindsey Rutherford Sides, Bucks IU Supervisor of STEAM Education, stated, “Investments in the Fab Lab are making a real, tangible difference in the lives of students and educators across our community. Support is not just an investment in the Fab Lab—it’s an investment in the next generation of problem-solvers, creators, and innovators. When students are in this space, they are not just learning—they’re becoming engineers, designers, and innovators right before our eyes.”
The Fab Lab makes STEAM learning interactive, engaging, and hands-on. Through immersive experiences and cutting-edge tools, students develop creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that prepare them for success. During the event, current and future partners experienced the Fab Lab’s latest technology, including the new Immersive Reality (IR) room where they piloted a fighter jet, explored the ocean depths, and marveled at the northern lights. Others tested their skills flying drones—learning firsthand that it’s harder than it looks!
Alice Colyar, Manager for Bucks County Workforce and Economic Development, stated, “We invest in programs that prepare young people for the workforce of tomorrow. The Fab Lab does exactly that—providing meaningful educational experiences to students throughout Bucks County.”
Lindsay Pikovsky attended the event to express how much the Fab Lab programs can make a difference. Her child is a regular participant at the Fab Lab Center, loves STEAM activities, and benefits from access to equipment that supports diverse interests and advancing skills. They even celebrated the child’s 10th birthday at the Fab Lab. Pikovsky shared, “The kids absolutely loved it! They had so much fun immersed in the activities that they didn’t even realize they were learning STEAM skills.”
Deanna Boyer and Meghan Leinhauser, representatives from Dow, attended the event to reinforce the company’s commitment to the Fab Lab and to developing a skilled future workforce. “Dow is dedicated to creating educational pipelines for highly trained professionals. Supporting the Fab Lab aligns perfectly with our mission—we hope to inspire and educate future Dow employees,” they stated.
Become a partner with the Fab Lab and help shape the future of STEAM education in Bucks County! Individuals and families are invited to donate to the Fab Lab, and businesses are encouraged to join the new Corporate Partners Program. No contribution is too small—every dollar helps fund vital programs, provide hands-on learning experiences, and empower the next generation of innovators, creators, and STEAM leaders. Learn more or donate at: www.BucksIU.org/FabLab/Get-Involved.
ABOUT THE BUCKS COUNTY INTERMEDIATE UNIT FAB LAB:
Launched in 2019, the Mobile Fab Lab program began as a single unit bringing STEAM education directly to students across Bucks County. Today, with two fully equipped Mobile Fab Labs, the program reaches 18,000 students annually. The Fab Lab Center, which opened in December 2021, has grown from serving just over 1,000 children in its first year to now, four years later, engaging more than 5,700 students with 11 unique programs. Learn more at www.BucksIU.org/FabLab.
