
About the Program
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Participants will set goals for earning digital badges, which are micro-credentials that demonstrate a member has completed a required safety orientation to use a specific tool. They will also receive encouragement to reach their goal. This 8 week program offers both independent and group learning. We aim to run a new cohort every other month. Each two-month cohort will consist of 8 to 12 people who participate in a part-time (5+ hours per week), hands-on makerspace-based experience, which includes an introductory session to each of four areas of the makerspace: Wood, Textiles, Digital, and Metal.
Participants must be at least 18 years old and MakeHaven members to participate (scholarships based on need available).
During the 8 weeks, participants will go through tool introductions, both as a group and independently with volunteer guidance. These digital badges serve as a record of the participant's progress in completing the required safety orientations for different tools. The goal of the program is to earn 12+ badges with at least two in each of the focus areas (wood, metal, textiles, digital), and complete a project that can be presented in a show-and-tell session during the last meeting.
After completing the requirements of the program the participant will earn a certificate issued by MakeHaven, indicating the level of 'gem' earned.(Levels set to motivate) which will remain as a digital badge on your MakeHaven profile.
The gem levels are as follows:
- Emerald: Earn at least 8 badges (2 in each area). Participant but not program graduate.
- Sapphire Gem: Earn 12+ badges. Honorable but not program graduate.
- Ruby Gem: Earn 12+ badges and complete a project. Graduate of program.
- Diamond Sparkle Gem: Earn 16+ and complete a project. Program Graduate with Honors.
The program is open to existing MakeHaven members and new incoming members who sign up for the program. For existing members only badges earned during the program count.
You can contact gems@makehaven.org with questions. Individuals looking for a deeper experience may consider makehaven.org/foundations.
Schedule Overview
Week | Topic | Activity | Skills / Time |
Pre Work Week 0 |
Getting Setup (non members)
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MakeHaven Onboarding (individually scheduled)
GEMS welcome overview video
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1 Orientation 1 Video |
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Week 1 |
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GROUP: Digital fabrication over view and Vinyl Cutter badge
INDEPENDENT: choice/schedule of:
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1 Meeting 2 Skills |
Week 2 |
Digital Fabricaiton Continued and Planning Session
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GROUP MEETING: Share project ideas INDEPENENT Work with volunteer on choice of: |
1 Call 1 Project plan |
Week 3 | Textiles |
GROUP Session: Textiles overview and Sewing Machines badge INDEPENDENT: choice/schedule of: |
1 Meeting 2 Skills |
Week 4 |
Textiles Continued |
GROUP: work on projecst alongside cohort INDEPENENT Work with volunteer on choice of: |
2 Skills Project work |
Week 5 | Woodworking |
GROUP Session: Woodshop Overview and INDEPENDENT: choice/schedule of: |
1 Meeting 1 Shop Orientation 1 Skills |
Week 6 | Woodworking Continued |
GROUP: work on projecst alongside cohort INDEPENENT Work with volunteer on choice of:
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2 Skills Project work |
Week 7 | Metal |
GROUP:Metal Shop Overview and Small Metal Drill Press INDEPENDENT: choice/schedule of:
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1 Meeting 1 Shop Orientation 1 Skill |
Week 8 | Metal Continued and Exibit |
GROUP: Show and tell of projects INDEPENENT Work with volunteer on choice of:
GROUP:
Group will gather for a "show and tell" of their projects and learning. A GEMS certificate will be issued to those that meet the criteria.
The exit survey will collect feedback and help us connect participant to any relevant career, entrepreneurship, or continuing education resources.
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1 Presentation 1 Pizza Party/graduation Resource Followup |
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or choose your own focus, other Skill options can be viewed at: https://www.makehaven.org/all-badges
![]() Program CoordinatorJordon Rambert
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Sign up for a Cohort