We’ve all said it at some point: shop class is important.

The industrial arts curriculum of yesteryear was vital to the generations who grew up to pursue careers in fabricating, manufacturing, and other skilled trades. In those hands-on classes, eager students were able to experience what it was like to truly make something from start to finish. The projects they built filled schoolkids with a sense of pride. They were able to experience the satisfaction of bringing home a finished product, and knowing exactly how it came together.

Starting today, December 1st, we are running a 10 day crowdfunding campaign. We’re asking for as many people as we can reach online to donate $10. To help us fund more manufacturing camps for the summer of 2017, you can donate here or even just share our story with your friends using the hashtag #Give2NBT. The more donations we get, the more grants we can award to applicants who hope to start an NBT manufacturing camp in their community.

The days of shop class aren’t over.

The format has simply changed. Our summer manufacturing camps re-create that learning experience that so many of us cherished growing up. For students ages 12 – 16, these camps allow real world experience with STEM applications and equipment that they won’t find anywhere else. Facility tours, expert instruction, and an experiential learning approach make our NBT camps the next best thing to shop class. Whether you’re already involved in the Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs foundation, or you just discovered us on social media – we appreciate your support!

Can you help us send more kids to shop class? Every single donation helps, and every single time you share our campaign link you are supporting our mission to inspire the makers of tomorrow.

Thank you for being a part of our journey to end the skilled labor crisis and make a difference in kids’ lives.