The 1K Makerspace project was borne out of my work at Illinois PPE that explored a distributed fabrication model. In a continued exploration of what localized manufacturing could look like after the worst of the pandemic, I crowdfunded — and subsequently received corporate backing for — a project to install makerspaces in underserved schools around Chicago. Through the help of generous donors and Newark Electronics, we were able to procure CNC routers, 3D printers, computers, and electronics for five pilot schools.
As of December 2022, this project is still in its earliest stages. We have identified Catholic schools in Chicago that serve traditionally underrepresented populations in STEM, and are in the process of rolling out the equipment and curriculum to each school.
Launch website »