By Breven Honda
Right in the heart of town is a place where kids can learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math—also known as STEAM.
The Mesquite Works STEAM Center, which sits right on Mesquite Boulevard, is a facility where kids can dive into the world of virtual reality, 3D printing, and many other STEAM-related activities.
“I love math, too, but with science, you can incorporate everything that you want,” said Nikki Meador, the Director of the STEAM Center. “You can take flowers and look at the art of the flowers. We’ve exploded volcanoes, and we do robotics. We do STEM activities with preschoolers, and we do STEM activities with anybody that walks through the door.”
Meador, who has been with the STEAM Center for a few years, brings 25 years of experience in STEM education, teaching math, science, robotics, and Computer Aided Design (CAD). Her background also includes Career and Technical Education (CTE) and running robotics programs in the Clark County School District.
Prior to Meador coming to the STEAM Center, and before the COVID-19 pandemic, Mesquite Works’ focus was centered on free job training and assistance, as well as hosting job fairs.
However, because the pandemic reduced the number of job seekers, the non-profit organization changed its focus to youth, aiming to spark creativity, curiosity, and innovation. As a result, the STEAM Center was implemented in 2023.
Fast forward to the present, the STEAM Center has expanded to a 7,000-square-foot facility, primarily serving Pre-K to 12th-grade students.
“We just had a classroom and what looked to be like an office room,” Meador said. “There was a meeting table set up in there. It wasn’t really designed for kids at the time. So when I started, I changed things around and made sure there was a place for the kids to play, as well as classrooms. Now, we have five rooms altogether. One of those is larger than the others, and we have over 1,100 members [up from 76 two years ago].”
In just those two years, Meador and her staff have witnessed the growth in the children who attend, whether it’s for one of the weekly classes or just to have some fun.
“It’s been really cool because we’ve had kids come through the door that were nonverbal, that had other things going on, and then seeing them communicate with the other kids,” Meador said. “Being able to watch some of the kids grow up over the last couple of years, it was a lot of fun as well. We have a four-year-old that can run a ToyBox 3D printer, and he can explain it and how to run it. To see that light bulb go off and to see them express themselves, that’s really good, and the communication that goes on between the kids is a lot of fun.”
Some of the weekly classes include a morning homeschool STEAM course on Tuesdays and an afternoon digital design class.
These classes provide kids with the chance to learn about things that cannot easily be taught in a living room or a bedroom.
“Science is so hard to teach at home because of equipment technology,” Meador said. “It’s expensive, so they might not have access to that equipment, and to have it here and to be offered, that’s an opportunity.”
As the supplies come with a cost, the Mesquite Works STEAM Center relies solely on donations and community support, keeping the facility free for kids.
With no support from federal, state, or local funding, Meador said the Mesquite community plays a crucial role in keeping the place a location for the kids to learn.
“Those community donations really show that it’s a value to the community for us,” she said. “Not having federal donations also means that we don’t have the oversight that federal grants have. We’re able to do what’s best for kids. It’s all about the kids. It’s all about people coming in. I really mean kids of all ages. You might be 40 years old and come in and play in the sandbox.”
While the primary age demographic has changed because of the STEAM Center, there is still an avenue for adults, continuing the focus from before the pandemic.
Although it may not directly mean having a class, there is still an opportunity for Meador or staff to pass on their knowledge.
“We’re also here to help adults with technology and or resumes or what they need,” Meador said. “We’re more than willing to do that.”
In addition to having weekly classes, the STEAM Center also hosts events when school is not in session.
Meador said that the STEAM Center hosts camps to continue the learning environment outside of school.
“The summer months seem to be our busier months,” she said. “We do summer camps, one for spring break. We do those camps as an opportunity for kids to have something to do when they’re off.”
As the STEAM Center continues to roll on, they know how vital a service they provide in teaching the future generation.
“Parents are very excited that they can bring their kids somewhere to not just play,” Executive Board Member and Vice Chair Steve Dudrow said. “There’s some play, but they’re learning.”
