About Us
The Make Space of Centre County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that fosters lifelong learning in S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) fields. Our member-driven community workshop provides access to common tools and a collaborative environment for brainstorming, seeking assistance, and discussing maker-related topics.
As a makerspace and hackerspace, The Make Space serves as a social hub for individuals with shared interests to come together, collaborate, socialize, and explore their creative passions. Our diverse community is full of potential for innovation and growth.
Our mission is to empower makers by offering access to a variety of tools, fabrication equipment, and resources, including salvaged, donated, and recycled materials, to fuel their projects and ideas. We strive to provide support and knowledge to makers of all levels, from beginners to experts, to help them realize their visions.
Our ultimate goal is to unleash creativity and help makers reach their full potential. We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone can feel supported and inspired to pursue their passions.
Our Mission
Our mission at The Make Space of State College is to provide access to tools and resources for makers of all ages and skill levels, empowering them to turn their ideas into reality.
We believe that education is key to unlocking the full potential of the tools and equipment available at The Make Space. We are dedicated to offering a variety of workshops, classes, and training sessions to help our members develop their skills and knowledge.
At the heart of our community is a commitment to collaboration and sharing. We strive to create an environment where makers can connect with one another, learn from each other, and work together to bring their visions to life.
Accessibility is also a core value of our organization. We are committed to keeping membership and tool usage fees affordable, and to providing a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone feels comfortable and supported.
Through our dedication to education, community, and accessibility, we aim to inspire creativity, innovation, and a sense of possibility in all those who walk through our doors.
Our Values
At our core, we believe in fostering an environment that values and celebrates the unique perspectives and experiences of every individual. We are committed to creating a culture of inclusiveness, diversity, respect, responsibility, and civil discourse in everything we do.
Inclusiveness means that everyone has a place at the table, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs. We strive to create a welcoming and safe space where everyone can be heard and feel valued.
Diversity is not only a strength, but a necessity. We embrace and celebrate the differences in our community, knowing that it leads to richer conversations, deeper understanding, and better solutions.
Respect is the foundation of all our interactions. We treat everyone with dignity and kindness, recognizing that we are all human and deserving of respect.
Responsibility is our duty to ourselves and others. We hold ourselves accountable for our actions and words, and recognize the impact they have on those around us.
Civil discourse is essential to our mission. We encourage thoughtful, constructive, and respectful conversations, even when we disagree. We believe that by listening to and learning from one another, we can achieve our shared goals.
Together, these values guide us in creating a community where everyone can thrive and feel supported.
What is a maker space?
A makerspace is a collaborative workspace where people can come together to create, invent, and learn. It’s a place where individuals with shared interests in crafting, electronics, coding, and other similar pursuits can use tools and resources to work on projects, learn new skills, and share knowledge.
Makerspaces often provide access to a range of equipment and materials, such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and other digital fabrication tools. They can also include traditional hand tools, sewing machines, and other equipment for a wide range of crafting and DIY projects.
Makerspaces typically foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing, with members often working together to tackle complex projects and help each other learn new skills. They can be found in schools, libraries, community centers, and other public spaces, as well as in private businesses and other organizations.
What is a hacker space?
A hackerspace, also known as a hacklab or makerspace, is a community-operated workspace where people can come together to work on creative and technical projects. Like a makerspace, a hackerspace typically offers access to tools and equipment, such as 3D printers, electronics components, and software, but with a greater emphasis on computer programming, hardware hacking, and other technical pursuits.
Hackerspaces often focus on computer security, open source software development, and other hacker culture-related activities. They can be found in cities around the world, and many are run as non-profit organizations.
Like makerspaces, hackerspaces emphasize collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community-building. Members work together on projects, share knowledge and expertise, and often hold workshops and events to teach others about various technical topics. However, unlike makerspaces, hackerspaces tend to have a stronger emphasis on technical and programming-related pursuits.