At the Belafonte TACOLCY Center in Liberty City, a vibrant and innovative environment awaits young minds.
The Fab Lab, short for Fabrication Lab, is a dynamic initiative launched by the Key Biscayne Community Foundation five years ago.
What began as a small program serving just 15 students has blossomed into a thriving community hub, now catering to nearly 600 young learners.
According to Director Angel Johnson, the lab was created to address the lack of a comprehensive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curriculum in local schools.
Students from third grade and above engage in hands-on activities that span the entire spectrum of STEM.
Activities range from designing homes using model software to more exhilarating experiences such as flying drones through hoops suspended from the lab’s ceiling.
Children express excitement about the wide range of technologies available, including AI tools for creating designs, as well as virtual reality headsets for building 3D models.
The lab also offers opportunities for learning coding, robotics, electronics, and conducting science experiments.
On a recent Monday afternoon, the atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm as Johnson interacted with the students, answering questions and guiding their explorations.
Among the engaged pupils was Alaysia King-Smith, an 8-year-old aspiring nail technician.
“It’s fun here because in the Fab Lab you could do fun stuff and create stuff,” Alaysia said.
She shared her dream of running her own nail business one day, inspired by the creativity she can harness at the Fab Lab.
“The Fab Lab is to help people, and you can design stuff on the things. And also as a nail tech, you can put a design on the nails,” she explained, showcasing how the skills gained could enhance her future career.
Another ambitious student, fifth-grader Khloe Davis, envisions a career in the judiciary.
“I think some of the things at Fab Lab can help me become a judge because they help me remember things that I need to remember as a judge,” said the 11-year-old.
She added, “I think being part of Fab Lab is a great thing for kids because it gets them to learn coding and learn fun things.”
Shownda Pagan, CEO of the TACOLCY Center, emphasized the importance of these practical experiences.
“More than just a learning space, the Fab Lab inspires curiosity, opens doors to innovation, and serves as a launchpad for endless possibilities,” Pagan noted.
Johnson proudly highlighted the successes of his former students, including one who was accepted to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
His enthusiasm stems not only from their achievements but also from their ability to apply concepts learned in the Fab Lab to higher education.
The Fab Lab operates out of two locations: the Phicol Williams Community Center in Homestead and the Belafonte TACOLCY Center in Liberty City, ensuring accessibility for all aspiring young innovators.
“There’s space for everyone,” Johnson stated, outlining the lab’s weekly schedule, which runs classes from Monday through Thursday, followed by open lab hours on Fridays.
This flexibility allows students unable to attend during the week to still engage with the transformative learning experiences offered at the Fab Lab.
image source from：https://kbindependent.org/2025/04/20/foundations-fab-lab-gives-liberty-citys-children-real-world-experiences/
