Honeywell and The Charlotte Hornets partnered with local nonprofit Digi-Bridge to facilitate a multi-week 3D design and printing course for a group of nine students at Governors Village STEM Academy in Charlotte, North Carolina. The focus was on creating some game day accessories for National Basketball Association (NBA) Charlotte Hornets professional basketball player, Kelly Oubre Jr.

Accessing alternative career paths 

The project, which was launched to introduce the idea of fashion and design as an alternative career path in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and maths (STEAM), culminated with a workshop at the Governors Village STEM Academy, where students finalized and printed their exciting designs.

Participation by Honeywell leaders 

The player, Kelly Oubre Jr., selected accessories he'd planned to incorporate into his upcoming home game looks - and leaders from Honeywell, Hornets Sports & Entertainment and Digi-Bridge were in attendance, as were students and instructors from the Governors Village STEM Academy.

“We’re thrilled to work with the Hornets and Digi-Bridge to provide a hands-on and authentic STEAM experience. At Honeywell, we talk a lot about what we do today determines our future, and we hope this initiative has shown the students at Governors Village STEM Academy that they have the ability to forge their own path, whether that’s in fashion, STEAM or multitude of other exciting career opportunities," commented Honeywell Chief Marketing Officer, Bill Kircos.

“It has been an honor to team up with our partners at Honeywell for this important project with Digi-Bridge and Governors Village STEM Academy, and for Kelly Oubre Jr. to be involved and inspire the next generation of leaders has made it even more exciting. A STEAM education can change a student’s career and life trajectory, and this initiative very much aligns with the work we’re doing across the community as part of our education and economic mobility platforms,” said Fred Whitfield, President & Vice Chairman of the Charlotte Hornets.

Forging the intersection of fashion, technology and science 

Seventh and eighth grade students participating in the unique course have met with Governors Village STEM Academy Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher, Torie Leslie, for an hour before school every Tuesday and Thursday to work on their designs.

The group began by attending an interactive workshop led by Jana Bacinska, a Senior User Experience Design Supervisor at Honeywell, who started her career in fashion and spoke to students about the intersection of fashion, technology and science. They also had a virtual fashion consultation with Kelly Oubre Jr. to learn about his personal style and inspiration, where they received a “'ashion profile' card with important details such as his measurements and favorite colors, materials and fabrics.

“Digi-Bridge works tirelessly to ensure that young people across Charlotte...have both valuable and unique opportunities to succeed in the digital age. With the support of partners such as Honeywell and the Hornets, we’re able to provide students with courses such as this one, where they can see their work come to life outside of the project itself, which is rewarding to witness," explained Alyssa Sharpe, Digi-Bridge Chief Executive Officer.

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