A collaborative work area to encourage making, exploring, learning and sharing that uses high-tech or no-tech schools at an elementary building in the Northern Lehigh School District has drawn rave reviews.

In partnership with the district, Lehigh Carbon Community College’s SHINE program recently dedicated the new Makerspace at Slatington Elementary School.

School board members viewed some of the technology to be offered at Slatington and Peters elementary schools.

School board President Mathias Green spoke glowingly of the program at last week’s school board meeting.

“If all of the people have even half of the enthusiasm that I saw from those people tonight, it’s got to be a wonderful, wonderful program,” Green said. “I mean they were so excited just to be a part of it and in talking to other people whose children have been there, it sounds like a really good program, and I think Northern Lehigh is very fortunate that LCCC has chosen us to be one of the people that they work with.”

Superintendent Matthew J. Link said the program served about 30 children during Summer Camp, and served about 50 children after school during the school year for four days a week for 36 weeks.

“They are receiving homework support, they are receiving support with social emotional regulation, they are receiving a free dinner every night as part of the program, and then a heavy emphasis on STEAM activities leading to STEAM related career pathways,” Link said. “We are the only district in Lehigh County that is able to offer such a program after school and we’re very proud of that and very grateful for the partnership with Lehigh Carbon Community College.”

LCCC also has Makerspaces at the Morgan Center in Tamaqua and on main campus.