Above the Influence: Youth Activism in a School Makerspace

This article examines the “Above the Influence” (ATI) unit implemented in The Tech Café, a social action Makerspace situated in an urban middle school. Through purposeful making, students engaged deeply with the social and scientific issues surrounding vaping and THC use. Grounded in Critical Pedagogy, Youth Participatory Action Research, Asset-Based Pedagogy, and Social Justice Education, the unit invited students to channel their skills, creativity, and lived experiences into advocacy projects, including board games, short films, songs, sculptures, and podcasts. These projects culminated in a school-wide celebration, where middle schoolers presented their work to younger peers, sparking dialogue and reinforcing substance-free values. Feedback underscored the initiative’s impact, revealing both an increase in student understanding and the resonance of youth-led messages. This case study illustrates how educational Makerspaces can foster critical thinking, personal expression, and meaningful action, offering a replicable framework for integrating social justice advocacy into interdisciplinary curricula.