WELCOME TO TOOLSÂ 4Â TEENS
Make a Difference Today
TOOLS 4 TEENS AT A GLANCE
Tools 4 Teens is a Minnesota based non-profit whose goal is to give tools to teenagers 10-18 who show some interest in being creative and using their hands. We buy fully stocked adult tool sets and bring them to maker fairs, car shows and other events where we teach kids about tools and then give them their very own set of tools. Each set is accompanied with contact information which makes mentors available to the kids to help think through their ideas and projects. 2016 was very successful as a pilot program and our plan for 2017 was to give out 1000 boxes and begin a national movement to get kids back in the workshop. An article is in the works to hopefully be published in Popular Mechanics or Make magazine, encouraging others to start doing this project, including specifics on easy ways to make it happen in your community. We have at least 6 shows scheduled so far and many more event leaders who would like us to bring tools and mentors. The toolkit will hopefully be provided by one of the big retailers, perhaps Minnesota based.
We depend on donations from car shows and private individuals and we are reaching out to a number of Minnesota-based companies to consider being involved in this project with us. These youngsters are our future. Take a look at our Facebook page which has pictures, recent announcements, and appearance dates. Donations can be done by clicking on the donations button above which will go through Paypal, the facebook fundraiser, or through checks made out to Tools4Teens Inc. and sent to:
Tools4Teens Inc.
12822 Excelsior Blvd.
Minnetonka ,Mn 55343
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OUR STORY
Tools4Teens was started by retired physician and lifelong inventor/mechanic/artist, Greg Meyers, who has made it his mission to promote teen technical mentorship. He has developed a program to foster this idea in hopes that it would become a success and expand in the future, possibly at technology venues frequented by youth (perhaps again at the Minnesota State Fair, home shows and hot rod shows). We are hoping that you might care to be involved in some way.
MENTORING!
Getting kids connected with tools
FAMILY TEACHING THE KIDS
Family members take part in teaching the names and uses of the tools through a fun matching game. This has been done at many car shows and other events.
ONLINE TOOLS4QUARANTEENS
During the Covid-19 social distancing Teens can still become eligible for a free tool bag by watching YouTube videos on tool use.
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SENIOR MENTORS OUT OF RETIREMENT AND BACK TO WORK!
Many opportunities for seniors in the community to interact again with kids, teaching them things that are second nature to them, passing on knowledge to a new and willing generation.
TAILORING TO THE VENUE
We can tailor the mentoring activities to the specific venue. A car show might teach parts of the car and simple maintenance. A home show might concentrate more on carpentry tasks.
SCOUTING BADGES CAN QUALIFY YOU FOR A TOOL KIT!
Boy Scout and Girl Scout badges that you have earned by using your hands to create or repair things will qualify you for a tool bag! Contact us and let us know what badges you have.
THE KIT
The Tools4Teens tool kits include a phone number which will provide a direct link to adult makers who can answer questions that kids may have in working on future projects. Having a capable adult willing to help you sort out your ideas is a great boost to a budding maker’s self esteem and makes them less timid when approaching a project. Advertising by supporters on the tool-boxes and in the brochure is available for a reasonable fee. Northern Tool has been graciously providing us with a $60 value quality tool kit for $20!
Typical Toolkit​​
screwdriver asst.
socket wrench set
crescent type wrench
pliers asst.
small hammer
box cutter
magnetic small parts tray
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HOW CAN YOU HELP?
We provide volunteers at each of our events who assist kids in learning a bit about a basic project using specific tools, and once they confirm that the kid has participated to some extent in the activity, the volunteer signs off their task list. Anyone can volunteer, and we always need volunteers. Donations are welcome, whether they are large or small. We are happy to work with any group who wishes to put on an event, and with companies who wish to help their community. We have been providing these kits on a small scale for many years and we can all tell you that the feedback that we get is priceless. Send us an email to discuss Tools4Teens with our founder Dr. Greg Meyers!
Quote
"Creativity is intelligence having fun."
-Albert Einstein
Upcoming Events
CONTACT TOOLS 4 TEENS
NEWS, ASSOCIATED PROGRAMS AND VIDEOS
We work hard to get our efforts noticed by the media and are so proud when this goal comes to fruition. A well informed community is an empowered one as well, so take a look at some of the latest coverage we’ve received below and help spread the word about all the amazing developments at Tools 4 Teens.
Dr. Greg Meyers M.D.
12822 Excelsior Blvd
Minnetonka, Mn 55343
320-282-4577
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Article on hosting an event plus addendum
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Websites that can give you some insight into our endeavor:
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Minneapolis-St. Paul Maker Faire 2015 http://makerfairemsp.com/
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Leonardo's Basement http://Leonardosbasement.org
Make Magazine http://makezine.com
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Interesting videos:
Tools4Teens at the motorcycle show!
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At the Studebaker car show with Dr. Greg
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At the MotoBlot Car and Bike show
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Let's make noise and learn about hammers and nails!
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FROM IDEA TO REALITY: THE EVOLUTION OF TOOLS 4 TEENS
Since formally beginning Tools4Teens, we have given away over $55,000 worth of tools to youngsters! It all started years ago when Dr. Greg gave tool kits to his own kids when they were pre-teens. Now with the help of Ton-Up Minneapolis and the Studebaker Drivers Club we are giving out 700+ kits a year.
1-ON-1 WITH TOOLS 4 TEENS CEO
