Course Overview
Explore your creativity and bring your ideas to life! In this hands-on course, students will immerse themselves into the MakerSpace at Syracuse University. To begin the course, students will build, adjust, and calibrate a fully functional 3D printer. As the course progresses, they will learn and use various 3D design programs to design 3D prints. They will then get to 3D print and take home their creations!
In addition to 3D printing, students will be trained on laser engraving and laser cutting, bringing their ideas to life. Students will learn to vinyl print and cut and even will learn to digitize graphic files to embroider on hats and shirts on an industrial 16-needle embroidery machine.
This class will be project based to expose students into these various technologies. The course usually draws a variety of students from all over the globe, and is a great cultural experience for everyone!
All students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to request a Syracuse University noncredit transcript.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will know how to:
- Build and construct a 3D printer
- Create basic CAD designs through Tinkercad and 3D print
- Learn how to embroider using a 16-needle embroidery machine
- laser engraving, and cutting
- Vinyl design, printing and cutting
Course Information
Course Prefix and Number: SCN 076
Format: On Campus (at Syracuse University)
Eligibility: Students must be of rising high school sophomore, junior, or senior status – or a 2025 high school graduate.
Credit: Noncredit
Grading: Pass/Fail
Cost:
- Residential: $4,295
- Commuter: $3,3318
Program rates are subject to change and will be approved by the board of trustees. Discounts and scholarships are also available.
Program Information
Summer College – On Campus: Experience what college is really like: take a college-level course, live in a residence hall, have meals with friends in a dining hall, and participate in activities and events on campus.
“I learned so many things that I never thought existed; such as the difference apps used for 3D printing. I got the chance to see how different tools were used in different fields; for example, the specific tools used in the medical field.”
– Leslie U., Summer College – On Campus Makerspace Student, 2018
Course Dates and Details
| Program | Course Dates | Class Time (Eastern Time) | Credit/Noncredit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer College – On Campus | 2-Week Session I: Sunday, July 6 – Friday, July 18, 2025 | MTWThF; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Noncredit |
To see if this course is ‘open,’ refer to the full course catalog.
Course Requirements
There are no specific requirements for this course.
Typical Day
Tentative Schedule
Students are required to attend class Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. with a break for lunch.
When class is over, and on weekends, students can look forward to various Summer College – On Campus activities to meet and connect with other students! Check out our On Campus Experience page for more information!
Field Trips
Potential field trips include:
- Trip to a local Amazon Distribution Center
End Event
On the final day of class, there will be an end event to showcase the students’ designs!
Faculty Bios
John Mangicaro
John Mangicaro was the lead facilitator in the development and implementation of Syracuse University MakerSpace, a collaborative space to imagine, design, build, tinker, modify, hack, teach, and learn. He now manages, teaches, and oversees all MakerSpace operations. John started his career at Syracuse University forty years ago. His strong electronic and mechanical background has earned him a reputation by many departments as the person to seek out to solve difficult electronic and mechanical issues and problems. Before starting at SU, John owned an automotive service station that specialized in building high performance drag cars. He also owned a factory-authorized consumer electronic repair center.
John is a professional drummer who has toured with national recording artists. He performs most weekends with various local bands. John enjoys spending time with his family and friends, exercising, gardening, making maple syrup, and helping others.