Infrastructure of Community Engagement Using the Isabela Boys and Girls Club FabLab

Abstract

There is a need to develop a volunteering culture in order to sustain or to provide a better quality education to the next generation of Puerto Ricans, given the fiscal situation the island is facing. STEM related careers represent the best chance of developing an economy that can compete with the global market. The FabLab, located in the Isabela Boys and Girls Club provides an environment that exposes youth to the makers culture which will teach them about STEM related careers and the skills necessary to compete in the college and labor market. Developing an infrastructure of tutorials and design projects by volunteers that currently work in STEM related careers may ensure that participants develop basic skills required to aspire to venture in to a STEM related field. The volunteer work of the Pro-Bono volunteers has been calculated to be more than $18,000. This investment of time and knowledge, that otherwise had to be incurred by local government, is a positive externality that will serve the best interest of the community when they become of age. Key Terms ⎯ Positive Externalities, Volunteer, STEM.