Overland Park, Kan. – When Johnson County Library’s MakerSpace reopens in 2016 as part of the larger Central Resource Library’s renovation, it will boast six times the current square footage. With the added space comes an opportunity for new tools and technology to inspire the next generation of builders. Global engineering and construction company Black & Veatch is joining forces with the Library as part of the company’s growing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) outreach.
Johnson County Library will rename the facility the “Black & Veatch MakerSpace.” The partnership is the first of its kind in the Library’s history, with the Library’s foundation joining with Black & Veatch’s Building a World of Difference Foundation to expand the MakerSpace’s size and scope.
“Black & Veatch’s commitment to building a world of difference is obvious to say the least,” said County Librarian Sean Casserley. “The MakerSpace is Johnson County’s home for builders and innovators of all kinds, and will be even better now thanks to Black & Veatch’s generosity.”
Demand for the MakerSpace’s array of tools – from 3D printers to audio visual recording equipment – has outpaced supply since the space opened in 2013. In addition to new gear, Black & Veatch’s support will help the Library provide more programming and learning experiences in critical thinking, teamwork and STEM-related studies. Collaborating with the Library is part of Black & Veatch’s new growSTEM initiative, which puts STEM activities at the heart of the company’s philanthropic and community involvement efforts globally.
“MakerSpace demonstrates the exciting ways STEM education can reach young people by giving them hands-on experience through fun and exciting projects.”
Becky Schieber, Senior Manager, Charitable Programs at Black & Veatch
“Helping Johnson County Library fulfill its vision of an enhanced MakerSpace also enables us to nurture the next wave of problem solvers who will tackle the energy, water and communications problems of the future.”
Editor’s Notes:
- Black & Veatch’s foundation is contributing $90,000 over three years toward the MakerSpace. Company professionals will have the opportunity to engage in volunteer programs to advance the program.
- A formal ribbon-cutting event and media tour of the new Black & Veatch MakerSpace will take place in early 2016 when renovations to Central Resource Library are completed.
- The partnership with Johnson County Library builds on Black & Veatch’s global STEM partnerships with the Museum at Prairiefire in Overland Park and Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer.
About the Johnson County Library Foundation
The mission of the Johnson County Library Foundation is to build an endowment for the Library’s collection and secure support for life-long learning programs offered at Johnson County Library. Established in 1996 the Foundation supports collection enrichment, youth homework assistance, art programs, early literacy initiatives, youth-at-risk programs and technology enhancement.
Media Contact Information:
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Susan Mong, 913.826.4720, mongs@jocogov.org
About Black & Veatch
Black & Veatch is an employee-owned, global leader in building critical human infrastructure in Energy, Water, Telecommunications and Government Services. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people in over 100 countries through consulting, engineering, construction, operations and program management. Our revenues in 2018 were US$3.5 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and in social media.
