February is Black History Month and we’re celebrating at AMRoC Fab Lab all month long, starting with our virtual First 
Friday at the Fab Lab on Friday, February 5, at 6pm, with guest speaker, Dr. Sylvia Thomas. of the University of South Florida, and a Black History Month showcase window display hosted by our community partners, Pasco County Agents for Change.
We’re also partnering with Pasco County Agents for Change on a great collaborative project called All the Colors, that will explore science, technology, engineering, manufacturing and a variety of other careers through a series of student interviews with a diverse community of professionals. As a matter of fact, our First Friday at the Fab Lab event also kicks off our All the Colors series, with our student show host Jalyse, who is also a member of our FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team, and production support from PLUGHITZ Live.
Programs & Events
Here’s what on the calendar so far for February.
February 3 – Equity in Entrepreneurship Info Session – 6pm
If you missed our January Equity in Entrepreneurship Info Session, you have another chance on Wednesday, February 3 at 6pm at AMRoC Fab Lab. The Equity in Entrepreneurship (EquinEnt) The program aims to bridge the race and gender equity gap in early-stage entrepreneurship , and can help you take your informal side hustle, business idea or stalled small business to the next stage of success. Up to ten people can join in to this free in-person, informational meeting. Register at here for the info session and to be part of the Class of Spring 2021, which starts Feb. 11
February 4 & 5- Section 609 EPA Certification MVAC Test Prep – 6pm
In this 2 day (3 hr) course, you’ll learn the information you need to pass the Section 609 Certification test. Taught by our program partner, U.S. Auto Training, this certification is required by the Federal Clean Air Act for technicians who service motor vehicle air conditioning , or “MVAC” systems . Register here.
February 5 – First Friday at the Fab Lab: Celebrating Innovators During Black History Month with Dr. Sylvia Thomas – 6 pm Facebook Live
We’re kicking off Black History Month at AMRoC Fab Lab with a great guest for our First Friday at the Fab Lab series, as well as the start of the All the Colors series, a collaborative project of AMRoC and Pasco County Agents for Change. Dr. Sylvia Wilson Thomas is an Associate Professor in Electrical Engineering, affiliate faculty in Medical Engineering, and former Assistant Dean (Engineering) at the University of South Florida (USF) College of Engineering in Tampa, Florida. She holds a number of patents, and will be sharing her journey to invention.
Build a Drone workshop – Starting Feb 5, and then 1st & 3rd Fridays, 6pm 
Build-a-Drone Classes, hosted by program partner Tampa Drones, are open to ages 10 and up, and lead the student through the process of building a small drone from the ground – up! Register here .
ASE G1 Automotive Repair Technician Certification – 8 week session starts February 9 – 6pm to 8pm
Our next ASE G1 entry level Automotive Technician certification test prep course starts Feb. 9 –Register here to start your journey to higher wages and a solid career.
February 12 & 26- ROBOTICON Infinite Recharge Livestreamed from AMRoC – 6pm
FIRST Robotics Competition teams from around Tampa Bay, Florida and beyond are invited to tune in to get tips and tricks for this season’s virtual competition, as well as share their own team stories. We’ll explore the Robot Skills Challenge on the 12th and the Game Design Challenge on the 26th. Tune in on Twitch.tv/ROBOTICONTB and our AMRoC Fab Lab social media.
February 13 AMRoC Volunteer Orientation – 10am at AMRoC Fab Lab
Volunteers providing more than 15 hours of service a month receive free membership at AMRoC, with access to 3D printers and workshop. We welcome volunteers for guest services (greeting visitors and providing short tours and information about the Fab Lab), those with machine shop and tool experience, 3D printing enthusiasts, people interested in working with our youth robotics teams, and more! Register to volunteer here. Registered volunteers will receive information about the orientation event by Feb. 12 .
February 27 – Uptown Tampa Redevelopment Focus Group – 6pm
Uptown Tampa residents are invited to participate in our 4th Saturday Uptown Tampa Community Collaborative Focus Group session at AMRoC Fab Lab. Led by Uptown Tampa CC member, Gentrispot, each focus group looks at different aspects of redevelopment underway in the Uptown/University area and explores the challenges of gentrification as well as how to maximize the opportunities for residents, and how residents can have an active voice in upcoming changes. Register to attend here .
The Upcycling Challenge!
Our Upcycling Challenge is in the works with program partner, eSmart Recycling! Look for info soon on this fun creative competition, and in the meantime, bring us your old electronics to recycle! You never know – they might end up being part of the competition.
Keep you eye on the AMRoC Fab Lab calendar page for more creative learning opportunities all month long!