Want to be a maker? Apply for free access to Lacey MakerSpace at Saint Martin’s

The Lacey MakerSpace announced it will offer nine scholarships to Olympia and Lacey residents, granting winners a free one-year membership to the MakerSpace. Anyone ages 12 or older is eligible to apply.

Located in Zaverl Hall at Saint Martin’s University, the 8,000-square-foot facility provides equipment for woodworking, welding, 3D printing, laser cutting, metalworking, stained glass and textiles, among other things.

The scholarships will make the facility’s high-tech resources more accessible by removing financial barriers to membership, according to Michelle Pope, director of the Lacey MakerSpace.

“We don’t ever want money to be a barrier for anybody to join, anyone who’s looking for an opportunity to learn a new skill to better themselves in whatever path they’re taking,” she said.

While standard membership fees range between $40 to $60 a month, the scholarship will eliminate these costs which can total up to $660 for the entire year.

The scholarships are funded in partnership with the cities of Olympia and Lacey. Five scholarships will be available to Olympia residents, and four scholarships will be available to Lacey residents.

The Lacey MakerSpace opened in 2021, and the City of Lacey has supported its equipment and expansion.

The City of Lacey told The Olympian in a statement, “To date, the City has invested over $1.2 million in equipment, operations, and a 2023 expansion. Currently, we provide a $200,000 annual investment.”

The center benefits local business owners and entrepreneurs looking to refine their craft and gain new skills.

“Through our partnership with the EDC’s Center for Business & Innovation, the City funds several scholarship programs that help business owners gain critical skills and grow their operations,” the City of Lacey wrote. “One of these scholarships specifically supports entrepreneurs at the Lacey MakerSpace, helping them prototype new products, create merchandise, and incubate creative business.”

According to the scholarship application, recipients must keep a credit card on file to cover machine time fees which are applied for certain machines requiring additional operating costs. The price is $20 per month.

The scholarship is open to anyone ages 12 and older, but a parent or legal guardian must complete the application for minors. Minors must also be supervised while they are at the MakerSpace.

Applicants must not have held an active membership to the Lacey MakerSpace in the past year to be considered.

While applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, the review process is set to begin on Monday, July 21.

The application for residents of Olympia and Lacey can be found online.