WHITE SALMON — Gorge Makerspace is celebrating 10 years of creativity and hands-on learning with its Tools for Tomorrow Fund Drive, setting its sights on raising $75,000 by the end of the year.
Located in White Salmon behind Harvest Market, Gorge Makerspace has become a hub for STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) learning in the Columbia Gorge. The non-profit hosts 20 or more students each day from local public and private schools and homeschool programs, teaching hands-on classes and filling a critical void for our youth. It welcomes students of all backgrounds, and partners with White Salmon schools to provide additional learning opportunities for BIPOC and traditionally underserved students. It is also home to several youth robotics and invention teams, which have traveled to compete on regional and national stages.
This organization isn’t just for kids, though. Evenings and weekends have the same shop bustling with adults attending classes and workshops, using the Open Shop hours for their own projects and collaborating with other artists and makers. Upcoming adult classes include several woodworking offerings, as well as blacksmithing, sewing, 3D printing, and more.
Over the past few years, things have been growing at the Makerspace. What began as just a corner in the basement of the local community center has grown into a 2,000-square-foot space equipped for woodworking, metalworking, robotics, electronics, sewing and digital fabrication.
Each week, more than 100 students attend a variety of classes taught by two full-time and eight part-time staff. The next chapter promises even more excitement for this nonprofit.
Fundraising goal
In an effort to upgrade facilities, expand youth and adult programming, and grow its scholarship opportunities, Gorge Makerspace has set a fundraising goal of $75,000 by the end of the year.
“Every week more people join our classes, tell us they love making things here, and ask us for new classes,” said Founder Jack Perrin.
Gorge Makerspace is actively seeking support from local businesses, residents, and partner organizations that share its dream of an even more innovative, creative, and inclusive community of makers. Donations can be made directly through its website, gorgemakerspace.org/donate, or at upcoming fundraising events.
A committed group of volunteers is also making gifts for sale around town, with all proceeds going to benefit this campaign.
Facility upgrades
In the coming months, Gorge Makerspace plans several expansions to its facilities and staff capacities. Some of the physical improvements this funding will support include building a roof over the newly established metal shop; increased staffing as it expand its STEAM, job training, and blacksmithing classes; making safety and health upgrades to the space, including: Replacing the oil furnace with a safer, more efficient heat pump system; upgrading electrical circuits to safely accommodate large shop tools; and upgrading some of its most critical shop tools and spaces.
Scholarships
As Gorge Makerspace grows, it is committed to keeping its programming accessible by continuing to offer scholarships for lower-income learners. At least 5% of every donation will go directly to its scholarship fund.
Supporting the journey
Gorge Makerspace’s commitment to community, creativity and hands-on learning make it a local gem. “I’ve worked for maker programs in other cities, and I’ve never experienced an organization with an impact and reach like Gorge MakerSpace,” said Jared Wolf, adult education director. As it expands its offerings, improves its facilities, and offers scholarships for lower-income learners, Gorge Makerspace invites the community to join.
To learn more about Gorge Makerspace and how you can contribute to its Tools for Tomorrow Fund Drive, visit www.gorgemakerspace.com/donate.
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