Real tools, real fabrication, real rigor
Both core tracks run in the fab lab on real equipment 3D printers, laser cutters, hand and power tools and are tracked inside the Lab Studio LMS, open to creators at any level.
Fab Lab Foundations
Core making skills: materials, hand and power tools, safe fabrication process, measurement, and the habits behind every good build.
Learn core tools & materials · Follow safe, repeatable fabrication process · Apply measurement & data collection · Build good project habits · Prepare for independent builds
All levels · self-pacedDesign & Prototyping
CAD, 3D printing, and rapid prototyping apply STEAM thinking to real builds, from first sketch to a working prototype.
Sketch and plan a build · Model in CAD & 3D print a prototype · Test, iterate, and refine · Present and document your work · Prepare for independent builds
All levels · self-pacedFab Lab Safety and Design Process
Every Makers and Leaders member builds the same foundation: safe fab lab practice, then a real design-and-build cycle guided by a mentor.
Maker Safety & Working Practices
Essential shop and tool safety, PPE, measurement, data collection, and error analysis required before members touch the laser cutter, 3D printers, or power tools.
Identify shop and tool hazards · Select and use correct PPE · Follow machine safety protocols · Apply the scientific method · Record and analyze data
Beginner · 2 weeksDesign & Build Process
A real design cycle with a mentor: define the problem, prototype, test, iterate. Members take a project from concept through a working build that solves something real.
Hands-onHow members are grouped
Makers and Leaders runs as a set of focused fab lab cohorts, each with its own bench, pace, and mentor open to creators and educators at any level.
Fab Lab Foundations — Section A
Core making skills and shop practice for the first section.
Fab Lab Foundations — Section B
Second section of the same foundational track.
Design & Prototyping
CAD, 3D printing, and rapid prototyping from sketch to finish.
Creative Tech Studio
Electronics, code, and digital fabrication: laser cutting, microcontrollers, and robotics.
Leadership Track
Open to any member ready to mentor others and lead advanced projects.
Innovation Lab
Community-driven product development — members identify real problems and build solutions.
Makers and Leaders Educator Path 2026
Professional development for educators of every kind who want to bring this model — hands-on STEAM, mentorship, and real fabrication tools — into their own classroom, library, or community space.
Robotics & Automation
Hands-on robotics, sensors, and automation systems — a track shared across member and educator cohorts.
Mentorship & Leadership Development
How to mentor real projects, run a fab lab safely, and build a culture of community-driven innovation — woven through every track.
All of this lives inside the Lab Studio LMS
Projects, mentor check-ins, certificates, and a family view of progress every member, at every level, uses the same portal.
Go to the LMS