Students in East Middle School's woodworking program are proud owners of brand new skateboards that they built with their own hands.
A group of 75 sixth and seventh grade students enjoyed learning about the physics of skateboarding before diving into a hands-on session to piece their boards together bolt by bolt. Members of Can'd Aid, a Colorado-based nonprofit that encourages youth to maintain active lifestyles, provided the students with engaging in-person instruction and Amazon provided a slew of supplies, including helmets!
"Bridging the gap between theory and practical application is where the magic is," said East Middle School Woodworking Teacher Patrick Ames. "It's important for students to touch and build things. It gives them a sense of ownership."
Once assembled, students took their boards or "wood" to the gymnasium for skateboarding lessons courtesy of Square State Skate, a Colorado-based organization that provides skateboard education and guidance for children of all ages.
This is the second year that Amazon has partnered with the Aurora Public Schools Foundation, Can'd Aid, Square State Skate and other local organizations to fully fund this opportunity for students.
"This skateboard STEM enrichment activity is another example of Amazon's ongoing commitment to supporting schoolchildren in the Aurora, Denver and surrounding communities," said Brittany Morris Saunders, Amazon's head of community engagement in Denver.
As an added touch, this team of sponsors made the event a surprise. When students rolled out of bed that morning, they had no idea that they would be rolling on new wheels at the end of their school day.
"It's been a joy providing this experience to our students," said Ames.
Aurora Public Schools is excited to see our students empowered with opportunities to explore new hobbies through a structured, education-based setting. For many students, this was their first skateboard.
Whether the event inspired a future Tony Hawk or simply opened students' minds to another world of possibilities, we are grateful to our partners for hosting such a unique, kinesthetic learning experience.
What an incredible example of our community working together to break down barriers for our students to power their potential.