La Fondation Dassault Systèmes Empowers Learning Experiences for Kids
In an era where technology and innovation shape the future, fostering a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) among young learners is more crucial than ever. La Fondation Dassault Systèmes is at the forefront of this mission, supporting not-for-profit initiatives that revolutionize education through immersive learning experiences. By providing financial support and hands-on involvement, the foundation empowers academic institutions, research organizations, and community programs to harness the power of virtual experiences. Among its many initiatives, two standout projects exemplify its commitment to shaping the future of STEM education: the YMCA teacher training program and Girlstart cohorts.
YMCA Teacher Training: Inspiring Future Innovators
In 2023, the Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning and Creativity (RC-TLC) partnered with MetroWest YMCA, supported by La Fondation Dassault Systèmes, to introduce underserved students to 3D design and fabrication wonders. As part of this initiative, YMCA program site leaders participated in an immersive training session at Dassault Systèmes’ Waltham, Massachusetts campus. Led by Yume Menghe Xu, a PhD student in STEM Education at Tufts University and intern at DS SolidWorks Corp., the training focused on the fundamentals of SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids, a free web-based tool designed to make 3D creation accessible to young learners.
Beyond training, educators brainstormed creative ways to integrate 3D design into the YMCA’s summer and afterschool programs. From dinosaurs to rocket ships, students were encouraged to unleash their creativity in a digital space and bring their ideas to life using 3D printers. The program strategically combines RC-TLC’s FabMaker Studio STEM curriculum for younger children with SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids for older students, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.
MetroWest YMCA Executive Director of Education, Heidi Kaufman, emphasized the program’s transformative impact: “The recent training on SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids at the impressive Dassault Systèmes maker lab was a critical step in developing an innovative 3D printing curriculum for our school-age programs. Together, we will reach hundreds of young learners and foster a lifelong passion for STEM, serving as a model for YMCAs nationwide.”
RC-TLC’s Executive Director, Paul A. Reynolds, further highlighted the initiative’s storytelling and creativity-driven approach, inspired by his collaboration with his twin brother, best-selling author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds. Their books, including Going Places and The STEAM-Powered Adventures of Sydney & Simon, will complement the YMCA’s 3D/STEM learning program, making STEM education more engaging and relatable for young learners.
Girlstart Cohorts: Empowering Girls in STEM
Since its founding in 1997, Girlstart has been a pioneering initiative dedicated to bridging the gender gap in STEM. By offering year-round, out-of-school programs for girls in grades 4-8 across Texas, California, Massachusetts, and beyond, the organization aims to inspire young girls to see themselves as future engineers, scientists, and technology leaders.
For several years, SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids has been becoming an integral part of two Girlstart programs: Girlstart After School and Girlstart Summer Camp. A total of 203 multiracial girls participated, gaining hands-on experience in 3D design and digital fabrication.
Yun Li, SOLIDWORKS User Experience Design Manager at Dassault Systèmes, volunteered at a Girlstart summer camp in Waltham, Massachusetts. Passionate about increasing female representation in STEM fields, Yun worked closely with Girlstart educators to integrate SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids into their curriculum. She shared her experience: “It was incredibly rewarding to watch how proud the girls were when they completed their 3D models. One even exclaimed, ‘This is my favorite activity of the whole week! I love SOLIDWORKS!'”
To further enrich the experience, Yun 3D-printed some of the girls’ models using glow-in-the-dark materials at the Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE Lab. The young creators marveled at their illuminated designs when the lights were switched off. This hands-on demonstration enhanced their understanding of 3D printing and reinforced the idea that STEM is both fun and full of limitless possibilities.
Transforming STEM Education Through Collaboration
La Fondation Dassault Systèmes’ involvement in these initiatives underscores its commitment to making STEM education accessible, engaging, and impactful. By supporting programs like the YMCA teacher training and Girlstart cohorts, the foundation is helping to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers, innovators, and creative thinkers. SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids, among other tools, is playing a crucial role in making 3D design and manufacturing more accessible to young learners, demonstrating that the future of education is not just about learning — it’s about experiencing and creating.
Through strategic partnerships and a vision for the future, La Fondation Dassault Systèmes continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and dynamic approach to STEM learning, ensuring that students of all backgrounds can explore, innovate, and shape the world of tomorrow.
Are you an educator or part of an organization aiming to transform how children learn? Explore how La Fondation Dassault Systèmes can support your goals and help inspire the next generation of creators.
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