University of Advancing Technology's Official Technology Blog

University of Advancing Technology (UAT) recently partnered with the Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council to host a hands-on MakerFest, welcoming Girl Scouts to campus for a morning of creativity, exploration, and technical discovery.

Building Bridges Towards STEM

The event introduced participants to the spirit of the maker movement—where curiosity, experimentation, and problem-solving come together to transform ideas into real-world creations. Throughout the morning, scouts engaged with UAT faculty and staff in a series of interactive experiences designed to demystify technology and encourage confidence in building and designing.

One of the highlights of the event took place in UAT’s Maker’s Lab, where participants were introduced to the fundamentals of digital fabrication and electronics. Guided by UAT Program Support Specialist, Tyler Widener, students explored how tools like 3D printers transform digital concepts into physical objects and learned basic soldering techniques used in electronics and hardware development. For many attendees, it was their first opportunity to see how engineering concepts translate into tangible projects.

Branding Thyself

The event also emphasized that innovation extends beyond the act of building. During a session led by UAT Senior Professor, Dapzury Valenzuela, participants learned about the importance of storytelling, personal branding, and communicating the value of their ideas. By encouraging students to think about how creators present and share their work, the session connected technical skills with entrepreneurship and creativity.

The morning concluded with an opportunity for participants and their families to learn more about UAT’s approach to technology education and the pathways available to students interested in pursuing careers in STEM fields.

Commitment to Community

Events like MakerFest reflect UAT’s commitment to strengthening the technology pipeline by engaging young learners early and showing them that innovation is accessible to everyone. By partnering with organizations like the Girl Scouts, the university continues to create meaningful opportunities for students to explore technology in a welcoming and hands-on environment.

For the Girl Scouts who attended, the experience was more than a campus visit—it was a chance to see themselves as makers, problem-solvers, and future leaders in technology.