3-D Design Challenge

Photo Courtesy of the City of Hayward

Hayward, CA —Winners of the first-ever City of Hayward 3-D Design Challenge were announced on Thursday, June 16, 2016, at the Innovators Showcase at the Hayward Area Historical Society. The event marked the culmination of a months-long partnership between the City of Hayward, the Hayward Chamber of Commerce, Hayward Unified School District and local innovative businesses such as Type A Machines. This unique work-based learning project is a direct result of the East Bay Career Pathway Trust Grant; which made it possible to fund a position for the Director of Work-Based Learning at the Hayward Chamber for the purpose of industry engagement within Hayward schools for workforce development.

At the start of the school year, students at Brenkwitz and Tennyson High Schools in Hayward were given the challenge of designing a 3-D printed innovation award that could be given to local businesses recognizing their contribution to innovating businesses products and practices. Thirty students accepted the challenge and after touring the Hayward Area Historical Society Museum for a better understanding of Hayward’s innovative roots, instruction then moved to the classroom for hands-on 3-D design training from representatives from San Leandro-based Type A Machines.  Students were exposed to 3-D modeling, graphic design, spatial analysis, and utilization of cutting edge 3-D printers. 

Winning designs were selected based on creativity, reflection of Hayward history, how well they captured the essence of innovation, and appropriateness as a business award. First place winner Jorge Garcia (Brenkwitz), second place winner Lam Tran (Tennyson) and third place winner Salvador Navarro (Tennyson), received cash and prizes donated by Impax, Autodesk, On Time Signs, Rita’s, Buffalo Bills and Charlotte’s, in additional to a Certificate of Participation signed by City of Hayward Mayor Barbara Halliday.

“The City of Hayward is home of innovators and makers,” said Economic Development Manager Micah Hinkle.  “The community has had a long history with helping our business community drive innovation.  The design challenge is an example of the community coming together to support education and innovation.”

The 3-D Design Challenge is just one of the ways the City of Hayward is working with community partners to develop work-based career paths for local students. Other efforts have included student tours of local industrial-sector manufacturers and sponsorship of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) events like the Rubik’s Rumble.