Maker Ecosystem Building Toolkit
The MakerUSA Maker Ecosystem Building Toolkit is a free and publicly available resource for communities and organizations that are looking to foster a sustainable ecosystem that supports inclusive maker education and maker entrepreneurs. The Toolkit contains case studies, best practices, relevant research and a set of fundraising and communication tools designed to support leaders that are looking to grow, scale and sustain programs, models, makerspaces and develop policies that enable members of their communities to leverage these resources in ways that foster hands-on STEM and STEAM education, entrepreneurship, local manufacturing and economic innovation.
The elements of the Toolkit are designed and developed by individuals leading these efforts in their own communities, including members of the MakerUSA Learning Network and key partners.
Case Studies
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FabFolio is a web-based application designed to provide an innovative and effective feedback tool for both instructors and learners. By integrating micro-credentials aligned with national industry certifications and local employers’ needs, FabFolio empowers learners to track their progress, develop essential and technical skills, and curate digital portfolios.
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The Maker Access Pass is an educational program designed by the Innovation Wyrkshop to provide foundational training on the use of various makerspace equipment. Initially created for the University of Wyoming’s makerspace, the program has expanded across the state of Wyoming to various other makerspaces, offering both practical skills and safety knowledge to individuals engaged in the making community.
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This case study focuses on the process of conducting an initial research and assessment of the maker landscape in Knoxville, TN, in 2023. The primary objective of this Landscape Assessment was to identify and highlight the existing maker community, uncover gaps and unmet needs related to maker opportunities, and explore potential avenues for the Tennessee College of Applied Technology to expand its programming to better serve these needs.
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The Spark Lab program was designed to empower young entrepreneurs and makers in rural communities in West-Central Colorado by providing mentorship, hands-on activities, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities. Over six weeks, participants refined their business ideas into 3-minute pitches, culminating in a pitch event where seed funding (over $10,000 raised) and professional development opportunities were awarded to support their ventures. The program was developed and implemented by Homegrown Pathways, in partnership with Startup Colorado.
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STE(A)M Truck provides hands-on, project-based STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning experiences that ignite creativity, foster critical thinking, and prepare students for future careers. STE(A)M Truck serves primarily students from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds in the Metro Atlanta area, ranging from elementary to high school age. This case study highlights how a non-profit can effectively counteract generalized and rushed content, developing meaningful, long-standing multimedia narratives to solidify its brand as a community staple.
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This case study focuses on the design and implementation of a community-driven makerspace design workshop. This workshop was designed to bring together a diverse set of stakeholders in the Knoxville region to share their ideas and voices around an inclusive makerspace on the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville’s main campus.