Makerspaces, STEM Labs, Innovation Centers

CE Makerspace

Career Exploration Makerspace!! We focus efforts in providing makerspaces and STEM programs with an emphasis on career exploration and career pathways in STEM. Regardless what you name your STEM program, the High Country team is here to help design, implement, and bolster your  STEM education program for many years to come. Our team has over 60 combined years of experience working with schools, community centers, afterschool programs, and more. 
We focus on pK-12+ CAREER EXPLORATION in STEM.
Email Chad Hudson, our makerspace consultant, with your questions and your plans for a makerspace, STEM Lab, or Innovation Center today! 
[email protected]

How to Start a Makerspace (K-8)

A makerspace is a collaborative, engaging workspace where students can explore, create, and learn through hands-on experiences. In K-8 schools, a makerspace encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity while integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. This guide will help you start a makerspace tailored for elementary and middle school students. At High Country, we have chosen CE Makerspace to focus on Career Exploration (CE) in all fields of STEM.

Step 1: Define Your Vision and Goals

· Establish the purpose of your makerspace (e.g., STEM learning, creativity, teamwork, safe-to-fail zone, exploration, supplemental vs everyday schedule, etc). Identify the target age group and adapt activities to their skill levels. Align goals with school curriculum and learning objectives.

Step 2: Find a Location

· Choose a safe, accessible space within the school (classroom, library, unused room). Ensure the room is well-lit, has plenty of electricity, and has ample space for maker furniture, equipment, and supplies. Wish list items for a location include access to water, strong wifi connection, close proximity to commons space or extra space indoors or outside for various extended activities and challenges.

Step 3: Equipment and Materials

· Age-appropriate equipment such as 3D printers and laser engravers will be recommended by your consultant, along with age-appropriate STEM activities and lesson plans. Save recyclable DIY art and craft supplies: Paper, markers, cardboard, clay, tape, shoe boxes, paper towel rolls, cardboard, etc.  Hands-on learning kits, tinkering and engineering kits, electronics, coding, design modeling, and many more educational zones can be created throughout the makerspace.

Step 4: Secure Funding and Support

· Apply for grants from local community grant opportunities, educational and STEM-focused organizations, and national grants. There are LOTS of grant opportunities throughout the calendar year. Partner with parents, PTAs, and local businesses for donations. Organize fundraising events to gather resources. Public school funds and grants that have assisted with makerspace funding include Title funds, Operations funds, Capital Projects funds, CTE grants, Summer School grants, 21st Century grants, etc.

Step 5: Develop Programs and Activities

· Create structured activities suitable for different age levels. Offer guided projects such as building simple circuits, coding games, or designing structures. Encourage open-ended exploration where students can create freely. Focus real-world problem-solving initiatives to apply in the classroom and in the local community.

Step 6: Foster a Collaborative Environment

· Promote teamwork and problem-solving through group projects. Train teachers and volunteers to facilitate makerspace activities. Display student creations to encourage pride and engagement. Develop career connections and ask local workforce to connect with the makerspace initiatives and share career opportunities that relate.

Step 7: Ensure Sustainability

· Regularly restock materials and maintain equipment. Integrate makerspace activities into the regular curriculum. Gather feedback from students and educators to improve the space. Market the makerspace by recording school events, presenting daily announcements, and performing the edits and behind the scenes efforts from within the makerspace.

In conclusion, elementary and middle school makerspace can spark creativity, innovation, and a love for STEM learning at an early age. By providing a structured yet flexible environment, students can develop essential skills that will follow them to the high school, all while having fun. With proper planning and support, your makerspace will become a valuable part of the school community.

For more information, contact Chad Hudson at [email protected] or (317) 649-0280

Frequently Asked Questions

STEM Labs and Makerspace Programs

What do you provide for a STEM Lab or makerspace for schools and afterschool organizations?

We offer STEM education programming and supplemental curriculum through the preK-12 Career Pathways provided by Woz Ed (scroll down for more info). We work with your committee or admin team to design a makerspace or STEM Lab based on your budget and your STEM goals. We then provide the customized STEM furniture approach, along with the modern technology products designed to enhance learning experiences. We offer professional development options and create a long-lasting partnership.

If we have budget constraints, do you offer smaller packages/options?

You have to crawl before you walk. Walk before you run! Our STEM Labs and makerspace team consists of former teachers and administrators with decades of STEM education experience. We have smaller suggestions for your STEM program where you may only need some curriculum and some professional development. Then, once you have a program in place, you can build upon that through our partnership for many years to come. 

Do you offer customized STEM education programs?

Yes, we design customized STEM education programs tailored to meet specific needs of schools, after school  institutions, and community centers ensuring effective learning outcomes. We come alongside you to bring your vision to life! Whether you want to implement a full makerspace, or add on to an already existing program, we are here to help.

How much will a makerspace cost my school?

Makerspaces are customizable based on goals and budget. If you start with curriculum only, that ranges from $5000 to $65,000 approximately. We define a makerspace as having the appropriate furniture, mobile storage, equipment, curriculum, and professional development. All-in you would have a one time cost from as low as $65,000 and up, depending on your goals. We can always create a 3 or 5 year plan to help with budgeting longterm.

We have former teachers, principals, and STEM leaders that will consult and guide you in saving money and maximizing your STEM education impact for many years to come. 

How to start a makerspace -

You need a key person, or a group of people to lead the charge at your organization. Gain buy-in by sharing our website, calling us with questions, setting up a virtual meeting with us so we can highlight all that we do in planning a makerspace program. 

Schools can utilize the makerspace as a classroom setting in any teacher's room, or it can be a commons area that multiple classrooms can visit. Regardless, we will assist you in planning a makerspace and encourage you to be open to multiple ideas.

Discuss the makerspace concept with the administration team, leaders, and parents. This is an exciting adventure and you want as many key stakeholders aware as possible.

Budget $60,000 to $150,000 and don't be afraid to look at various buckets of funds such as professional development, furniture, title dollars, etc. to fund your makerspace.  We have school partners that get very creative in combining funds to implement the makerspace of your dreams!

Define a location for the makerspace. This can be a portion of a library, an empty classroom, a portable classroom (we have those options as well), an auxiliary gym, etc. We have seen makerspaces in some of the most creative locations.

Work with us! Whether you ultimately utilize us or not, we want to partner with you by offering suggestions on what we have seen at successful organizations. We love to share ideas and help you in your STEM adventure!

WOZ Ed

Changing the World

Continuing Steve Wozniak’s vision, Woz ED provides a personalized approach to integrating career pathways from K–Employment so learners can land high-demand science and technology jobs and start changing the world. Innovative and visionary educational leaders, inspired by Steve Wozniak, pursue Pathway Status for their students. Woz Pathway Districts, Schools, and Organizations are an elite group of educators that exemplify teaching and learning designed for students to explore their future in the tech economy.

Customized Curriculum


Woz ED Pathways to Careers! We specialize in science, technology and career-based programs designed to get people into the workforce quickly and affordably. Our goal is to educate and equip the masses to fill the multitude of quality tech-based jobs that are currently open and projected to grow in the coming years. This will not only help individuals and families sustain financial stability, but also help spur innovation and growth in business and government.

WozED Pathways Interactive

Click on the tiles below to explore each of the WozED kits.

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