Flagler Schools Student Launches Community CTE Program to Inspire the Next Generations of Makers

            A student-created pilot program in Flagler Schools is demonstrating how Career & Technical Education (CTE) can extend far beyond the classroom, empowering students not only to develop technical skills, but to become educators, mentors, and community leaders.

This summer, that vision became reality through 3D Model Makers, a pilot program created by 14-year-old ninth grader Xander Dattolico in partnership with the Flagler Schools CTE department.

Held on July 27–31 at Buddy Taylor Middle School, the week-long camp introduced six rising sixth-grade students from across the district to computer-aided design (CAD), engineering principles, and 3D printing. The idea began after Xander earned his Autodesk Fusion 360 certification in the Spring of 2025 through the Engineering Design program at Buddy Taylor Middle School. Inspired by the opportunities he had been given, he wanted younger students to experience engineering and design before they reached middle school electives and high school career pathways.

He got to work in the Summer of 2025 when he informally taught Fusion 360 to neighborhood students. Seeing their enthusiasm, he developed the concept into a structured curriculum and presented it to Flagler Schools CTE Curriculum Specialist, Martin Evans, who recognized its potential as a new community outreach initiative. With the support of school and district leadership, that student proposal evolved into the district's first student-designed engineering summer camp.

"This CTE pilot program would never have started if Xander hadn't come to me with the idea of introducing more students to 3D technology," Evans said. "This type of early exploration is exactly what CTE is designed to do. It sparks curiosity, builds confidence and helps students discover future career interests. We're proud to have partnered with Xander to make this opportunity available to our community."

           Unlike a traditional summer camp, 3D Model Makers was largely designed and taught by a student. Xander developed the curriculum and led instruction throughout the week, while Buddy Taylor Middle School engineering design teacher Tracy Jones, Xander's former 3D printing instructor, served as a mentor teacher and advisor.

Students progressed from learning the fundamentals of CAD to solving real engineering problems. Their final challenge required them to design, prototype, and 3D print a custom tool capable of retrieving a rubber duck from a pool. Through testing and redesign, students experienced the engineering design process firsthand while developing problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

            By the end of the week, every student had transformed original digital concepts into functional 3D-printed projects they designed themselves.

            One of the students, Giana Gemmola, stated, “I really love this camp because it lets me explore new things. I have already told my parents about it and now that I understand Fusion 360, they are thinking of getting the family a 3D printer and I am excited to teach my younger siblings.”

Beyond teaching CAD and 3D printing, the pilot demonstrated something equally important: when students are empowered to lead, they inspire their peers in relatable ways.

"I wanted to give other students the same opportunity that I was given," Dattolico said. "The experiences I've had through Flagler’s CTE program helped spark my interest in engineering and technology. If this camp inspires even one student to discover a passion for engineering or technology, then it's already been a success."

While this inaugural camp served six students, its long-term potential reaches much further.

           "We need more programs like this that introduce students to technology at an early age," said Nick Ohree, whose son participated in the camp. "John has always loved science, but he has never been exposed to this level of technology before. This experience opened his eyes to what's possible and gave him the tools to turn his ideas into reality. That's something no one can ever take away from him."

Looking ahead, Xander envisions growing 3D Model Makers into a broader student-led program that could reach more students through additional summer camps, after-school programs, school partnerships, libraries, makerspaces and community organizations throughout Flagler County.

More importantly, the program demonstrates a powerful cycle of learning: students who benefit from CTE can, in turn, become mentors who inspire the next generation. It is a powerful example of the "pay it forward" philosophy in action.

As new technologies in advanced manufacturing, automation and artificial intelligence continue reshaping tomorrow's workforce, initiatives like 3D Model Makers help ensure students are introduced to creativity, engineering and innovation at an earlier age.

"I hope this pilot is only the beginning," Jones said. "By working together, we have an opportunity to expand access to hands-on STEM and CTE learning throughout Flagler County, creating more opportunities for students to learn, lead and inspire the next generation."


 About Flagler County Schools Career & Technical Education

Flagler Schools' Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs provide students with hands-on, career-based learning experiences, industry-recognized certifications, and career exploration opportunities that prepare students for success in high-demand industries.

            As Florida and the nation continue investing in workforce development and advanced manufacturing, programs like 3D Model Makers provide an early introduction to the technical and creative skills that many future careers will require.