Students examining the 3D-printed Temple “T” icons to use for making keychains.
Photo by Colt Gunn
Once a month on a Saturday morning, Temple University introduces Philadelphia students in grades 6-9 to educational experiences throughout the University’s various colleges.
On Saturday, December 13, 2025, students arrived at Temple’s Charles Library for their fourth session of the program.
The month prior, the students learned about occupational therapy and the path they might take to achieve becoming an occupational therapist. For the December session, the Saturday College team got students excited about the tools available at Temple University’s Loretta C. Duckworth Scholars Studio Makerspace—a section of Charles Library dedicated to various technology equipment for staff and student use.
Approximately 50 students arrive at 9:30 a.m. to begin their activities—crafting winter cards with cutouts from the laser cutter, beading keychains with materials from the 3D printer, coloring printed pages and playing video games with a VR headset.
“This is a lot more than crafts,” said Susan Nicodemus Quinn, director of the program. “It is a way to get pre-college students excited about higher education.”
The students engaged with each activity in groups of 12, taking turns with their groups to experience each station. The VR activity, led by Makerspace technician Jordan Hample, was the clear favorite; numerous students asked, “Is that VR?” as soon as they entered the room. For many students, it was their first time using a VR headset themselves.
Though the VR activity drew attention first, the students were intrigued by the other stations, too.
“Did they make these? Upstairs?” One student asked about the 3D-printed, Temple University icons used in the keychain-making station.
The activities chosen sparked curiosity in the students about what resources college, and Temple University in particular, has to offer. Students laughed together as they familiarized themselves with the materials.
“Students really do enjoy coming here. Once they get over getting up early,” said Faith Bradley, a student worker assisting with supporting the Saturday College students.
After experiencing all the activities and materials, the students had the chance to explore Makerspace itself. Upstairs, the students examined the machines—such as the laser cutter and 3D printer used in the activities—and explored the VR studio.
Saturday College student playing a game on Temple University’s VR headset.
Photo by Colt Gunn
“It is a full circle moment. They get a chance to see where it is made,” said Barry Person, assistant director of pre-college programs at Temple University.
Students learned about what the VR studio offers to the Temple University community, from allowing architecture classes to take tours through ancient Rome to providing stress relief for students through gaming events.
“If you end up going to Temple, these resources are available for you to use,” said Hannah Tardie, Makerspace Manager.
While half of the cohort explored the Makerspace, which provided the materials they used in their activities, the other half remained with lead Saturday College team members, Person and Susan Nicodemus Quinn, director of summer and pre-college programs.
Quinn and Person reminded the students about information from previous sessions of Saturday College about college majors, like that majors can be changed at any time. Person then directed the students in filling out a worksheet on their likes, dislikes, strengths and personal areas for improvement. The students used this to inform their decision in identifying majors they may be interested in from a provided list.
Sicily Johnson, student worker, instructing students in the keychain activity.
Photo by Colt Gunn
“You’re good at math? Lucky you! You might want to look at the College of Science and Technology or Fox School of Business,” Quinn said, advising a student on the exercise.
Saturday College provides students with insider knowledge and a positive mindset about higher education. Students are inspired by the possibilities, as they can consider their futures in concrete terms with expert guidance.
“A lot of parents don’t know about Saturday College for their kids. I wish I’d had something like this,” said Kayla Woods, another student worker assisting with the program.
In upcoming sessions, Saturday College students will learn about Temple University’s College of Engineering and College of Public Health. As students contemplate the choices they will make regarding higher education in the coming years, the Saturday College program’s diverse range of sessions and considerate leadership team give Philadelphia middle school students an advantage for their futures.