North Coast Regional Manufacturers’ Network & Directory

Describe the Business:

Innovation Design Institute has developed a MakerSpace called The Co-Lab on the Arcata High School campus.  Set up to address STEAM curriculum, it goes beyond that to access a range of tools, both traditionally shop tools (wood, metal, and auto) with advanced manufacturing tools (CNC, laser cutting, and more), and the arts program.

This space is called the CoLab, with the collaboration of the Innovation Design Institute and Arcata Arts Institute.

Benefits of Product

The program’s curriculum teaches students flexibility, self-direction, communication skills, project management and leadership. Educators and community mentors will guide students through course work and activities that emphasize Partnership for 21st Century Skills Framework for 21st Century Learning (see below). The CoLab’s curriculum will en- courage collaboration across disciplines using design thinking, a methodology for teaching and learning innovation skills that combine creative and analytical approaches. Design think- ing draws on methods from engineering and design, and combines them with ideas from the arts, tools from the social sciences, and insights from business and industry.

After foundational coursework, students will work side-by-side in the CoLab with teachers, other students, and industry experts in small groups and ultimately manage their own projects focused on social and STEM innovation. The school’s facility provides a place where students can work side by side with community experts and mentors using traditional and technologi- cally advanced tools to create.

The community provides hands-on opportunities for students in their area of interest including: internships, employment opportunities and/or apprenticeships, field trips, job shadowing and volunteer work. Students will also have the opportunity to take specialized classes in computer programming , robotics and digital fabrication. Where applicable, students can engage in badging, dual credit and certification courses available online, through local universities and colleges and the county’s regional occupation program.

Business Services (for other companies)

Internships with local businesses are part of the larger program

Innovator Services:

• _____Design
• ____ New product prototype assistance
• ____ Small batch production
• ____ Other

Benefits:

Other skills, specializations (both in use and abilities),

Equipment (include equipment not in use now)