A resource that benefits both children at a youth center and community residents is what you call a win-win situation. That’s exactly what Foundation For Youth’s new maker space will be.
The Columbus-based organization at 405 Hope Ave., which serves children with programs and activities, plans to renovate its creative space, known as Funology!, into a maker studio space open to the community.
That space will include 3-D printing machines, laser cutters, drawing technology and more, and allow for community residents to create with technology, and make crafts and projects.
It also would be the second maker space in Columbus. The first was created in the basement of the Bartholomew County Public Library, a space known as Digital Underground.
Foundation for Youth used a crowdfunding site to raise $19,000 of the $38,000 total cost of the project. The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority matched the amount raised.
Erin Hetrick, Exhibit Columbus’ education coordinator, is in charge of developing a curriculum for the maker studio. She said the curriculum incorporates design education, as well as various school standards set by the state. That could allow the maker studio to be used for after-school programs and summer workshops, for example.
This project represents another excellent example of continued collaboration for which Columbus is known, with FFY and Exhibit Columbus working together for the benefit of many.
As a result, those with a desire to create have another space and resource to make their projects and dreams come true.
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