Category: News

MakerspaceCT Awarded Grant from Petit Family Foundation to Continue “Game Design for Girls” Program

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2025

Hartford, CT — MakerspaceCT proudly announces a new grant from the Petit Family Foundation, part of the Foundation’s Spring 2025 Grant Cycle. This funding allows MakerspaceCT to expand Game Design for Girls, an educational program that gives high school girls hands-on experience in game development and technology careers.

The Game Design for Girls initiative empowers Connecticut girls ages 14–17 to explore coding, 3D modeling, pixel art, music composition, and storytelling while building their own video games in a fun, supportive environment. MakerspaceCT specifically designed the program for youth from underrepresented communities and keeps participation free through support from organizations like the Petit Family Foundation.

“We’re using this grant to continue a program that’s close to my heart,” said Julie Gauthier, MakerspaceCT’s Lead Instructor of Advanced Technology. “I studied software engineering in a class full of boys. I’ve always loved game design because it brings together creativity and community. For the past two years, we’ve helped high school girls design their own games, explore 3D and audio tools, and learn the coding that powers digital worlds. Most importantly, we’ve helped them see themselves in computer science and tech careers.”

Dr. William Petit, President of the Petit Family Foundation, said, “We appreciate the work MakerspaceCT does to help Connecticut move forward and to keep women in STEM so that they can compete and lead on the global stage.”

Despite the explosive growth of the gaming industry, gender equity remains elusive. According to the 2024 State of the Game Industry report, women comprise just 23% of game developers, and only 5% of senior developers with over 20 years of experience are white or Asian women. Alarmingly, no Black or Hispanic women reported reaching that same level of seniority. 

Programs like Game Design for Girls aim to reverse these trends by creating early exposure, providing inclusive mentorship, and building awareness about tangible career pathways.

The next session of Game Design for Girls begins in Fall 2025. Stay tuned to makerspacect.com for dates and application information.

Press Contact:
Scott Phillips
860-619-6254
scott@makerspacect.com

About MakerspaceCT

The mission of MakerspaceCT is to positively impact lives by enabling access, innovation, and education. Our 28,000 square foot innovation lab in Downtown Hartford bridges traditional skills and advanced technologies, offering classes in metal, wood, and plastic fabrication, as well as high-tech disciplines such as CAD, 3D printing, IoT, and CNC machining. As a nonprofit, MakerspaceCT connects students and adults to hands-on learning and real-world career pathways. Learn more at makerspacect.com.

About the Petit Family Foundation

The Petit Family Foundation honors the memories of Jennifer Hawke-Petit, Hayley Elizabeth Petit, and Michaela Rose Petit by continuing the kindness, idealism, and activism that defined their lives. The Foundation’s mission is to foster the education of young people, especially women in the sciences; to improve the lives of those affected by chronic illness; and to support efforts to protect and help those affected by violence. Learn more at petitfamilyfoundation.org.

MakerspaceCT Celebrates Student’s Achievements

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Hartford, CT – June 13, 2024 – MakerspaceCT recently celebrated the achievements of students from two engineering programs held in 2023-2024. The graduation ceremony, attended by students and families, marked the successful completion of the Engineering Fundamentals Course and the Engineering Primer Program. Each student received a certificate of completion, an online credential and a stipend for completing their respective courses.

The Engineering Fundamentals Course (EFC), designed for young adults aged 18-24 in Hartford, offers a comprehensive introduction to product creation, engineering, and manufacturing. Throughout the program, students design and produce working prototypes, gaining essential skills in materials, processes, and product design. Participants delve into CAD design, 3D printing, and electronics assembly, gaining practical skills to prepare them for careers in industrial design, mechanical, and electrical engineering.

Meanwhile, the Engineering Primer program provides high school students aged 14-18 in Connecticut with an opportunity to explore new manufacturing technologies. Over the course of 12 weeks, students receive training and experience in product creation, engineering, and manufacturing. Similar to the EFC, participants engage in areas such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), 3D printing, electronics assembly, and receive hands-on experience using MakerspaceCT’s innovation center.

Generously funded by the Hartford Foundation For Public Giving, the City of Hartford, and the Ensworth Charitable Foundation, these programs provided tuition-free access to all attendees. 

Erik Johnson, lead instructor for EFC, expressed admiration for the students’ support for each other and encouraged them to continue learning. 

“We live in extraordinary times!” said Johnson. “You can learn anything now because of the vast amount of information available on the internet.  Figure out what interests you and learn everything that you can about it.  Never stop learning.”

Cole Grosner, MakerspaceCT’s director of education, emphasized MakerspaceCT’s commitment to students and skills-based training.

“By equipping our participants with hands-on experience and practical knowledge, we aim to prepare them for the future,” he said.

Julie Gauthier, lead instructor for Engineering Primer, acknowledged the vital role that families play in the success of their students. “Thank you for your commitment and encouragement. I know first hand how important it is for youth to have support at home.”

The graduation ceremony featured welcoming remarks from Devra Sisitsky, MakerspaceCT’s executive director, and a keynote address from Jeff Auker, newly appointed by Mayor Arunan Arulampalam as director of Development Services for the city of Hartford. Auker, who previously led Infosys’ innovation hub in Hartford, encouraged students to take advantage of the rapidly evolving technology landscape to further their careers and to demonstrate their skills for potential employers.

Highlights of the achievements for the 2023-24 year include:

– 42 high school students earning credentials for completing 60 hours of training in the Engineering Primer Program.

– 18 young adults earning credentials for completing 60 hours of training in the Engineering Fundamentals Course.

All the students from these programs were given the opportunity to meet with prospective employers at the Hartford Job Fair, which MakerspaceCT hosted on Friday, June 7, 2024. Many of the students are in the process of following up with potential employers and making arrangements for job interviews.

MakerspaceCT’s commitment to students continues through 2024:

All young adults in the Engineering Fundamentals Course were granted free memberships to MakerspaceCT’s shops and facility until the end of the year. This membership allows them to continue learning and working on projects using MakerspaceCT’s state-of-the-art technology and tools, and helps them stay connected to a community of like-minded makers and innovators.

Youth from the Engineering Primer Program will also have opportunities to advance their knowledge and skills. Many will participate in MakerspaceCT’s Summer STEAM program, with opportunities to learn about Virtual Reality Game Design, Robotics, 3D Printing, and more. Youth will also have the chance to join the MAKE’N’ABLE Program this fall, where students build 3D printed upper limb assistive devices for people in need.

About MakerspaceCT:

MakerspaceCT is dedicated to positively impacting lives by enabling access, innovation, and education. Located in Downtown Hartford, Connecticut, the non-profit organization offers a 28,000 square foot innovation lab where individuals and communities can explore traditional skills alongside advanced technologies. From metal, wood, and plastic fabrication to high-tech specialties like CAD, 3D printing, and CNC machinery, MakerspaceCT empowers students and members to pursue their interests and bridge the gap between education and industry.

Learn more about MakerspaceCT at https://makerspacect.com/.

DOWNLOAD THE PRESS RELEASE: WORD | PDF

Amazing Workshop Wonderland: Youtuber Visits MakerspaceCT

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Alan Mandic is a Custom Auto Fabricator and Auto Technician from East Hampton, MA. On the side, he runs a YouTube channel as The HotRod Hippie. He posts Automotive, Motorcycle, Metal shaping, and general Fabrication videos. He offers Tips and Tool Reviews, Demonstrations and Shop Tours for anyone interested in cars or DIY work.

On Friday, September 20, 2019, he visited MakerspaceCT for a shop tour and filmed one of his episodes here for his 13,000+ subscribers. The video is a comprehensive look inside MakerspaceCT, with a deep dive into each our shops — Woodshop, Machine Center, Metal Fabrication, Digital Fabrication, Textiles and Computer Lab. He also gives an inside look at what our welding class is like and our member Mike talks about the benefits of having access to the shops, tools and community at MakerspaceCT.

Watch The Video:

Behind-The-Scenes Look at the video shoot:

Subscribe to The HotRod Hippie on YouTube, and follow him on Instagram or Facebook for more metal fabrication and DIY videos.

Biggest makerspace in Connecticut to open in Hartford this spring

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Biggest makerspace in Connecticut to open in Hartford this spring

(Hartford Courant) MakerspaceCT, the 20,000-square-foot manufacturing and innovation lab soon to open in the basement of the historic G. Fox Building downtown, will help Connecticut write the next chapter of its legacy as a home to makers, creators and inventors, organizers said Friday. Read The Article

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MetroHartford Alliance’s Nan Price was gracious enough to include our executive director, Devra Sisitsky, in her article on Industry 4.0 and the leading role that Hartford is taking to capitalize on emerging technologies.

From the article…

“Connecticut, and specifically Hartford, have a rich history and tradition as home to some of the world’s most innovative and successful manufacturing companies. This is something we take great pride in and is a major factor in putting us on the map as a global market,” says MetroHartford Alliance President and CEO David Griggs.

…

Industry 4.0 also creates new opportunities in additive manufacturing, explains Devra Sisitsky, Executive Director and Founder MakerspaceCT. “Additive manufacturing is going to revolutionize every aspect of our lives from artist to resident to manufacturer,” she says.

“Looking back, we never thought we would have computers or printers in our homes—or we would ever learn word processing software. Looking forward, we know we’ll have 3D printers in our homes, and we’ll have to learn CAD/CAM software. If our salad tongs break, we’ll be able to put it in a 3D scanner, tweak the design, and then print out a new pair. People don’t understand that this is now. It’s not way in the future,” says Devra.

…

MakerspaceCT will also play an important role for those looking to become involved with Industry 4.0—as a hobby or a potential business. The Hartford-based workspace provides information and access to tools and technology for local inventors, innovators, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, hobbyists, and students.

“With our on-site tools and resources, MakerspaceCT can assist people creating a business related to additive manufacturing or IoT,” explains Sisitsky.

Read the full article here.

McEIVR, Inc./MakerspaceCT is proud to announce the appointment of Dave S. Christensen To The Board Of Directors And Legacy Council

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Press Release Contact:
Devra Sisitsky, Executive Director
McEIVR, Inc/MakerspaceCT
960 Main Street, Hartford, CT, 06103
860-833-5465
devra@makerspacect.com

McEIVR, Inc. Announces The Addition Of Dave S. Christensen To The Board Of Directors And Legacy Council

Hartford, CT — McEIVR, Inc./MakerspaceCT is proud to announce the appointment of Dave S. Christensen, Partner and Additive Manufacturing Practice Group Chair at Cantor Colburn LLP, the fourth largest patent law firm in the country, to its Board of Directors and Legacy.

“We are honored to have Dave join our board and Legacy Council,” said Devra Sisitsky, founder and executive director of McEIVR, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit that is launching MakerspaceCT in 2019. The 20,000+ sf facility, located in the historic G. Fox Building at 960 Main Street in Hartford, will be Connecticut’s largest makerspace open to the public as a community resource. MakerspaceCT will offer education, tools, workspace and mentorship for manufacturing, technological innovation, DIY activities and artistic projects.

“Dave brings value to our organization with his perspective as a mechanical engineer and intellectual property attorney,” said Sisitsky. “The inventors and entrepreneurs we will be serving at MakerspaceCT will benefit from his experience as a patent holder. Protecting intellectual property is an important consideration in these activities, and Dave’s legal experience will be of great value to our members.” Additionally, Mr. Christensen’s presence on the Board and Legacy Council is part of the progressive collaboration between McEIVR, Inc. and Cantor Colburn LLP.

The Legacy Council was created to help McEIVR Inc. sustain a legacy of innovation in Connecticut by assisting in developing strategies for the fiscal sustainability of MakerspaceCT. They provide in-kind services to McEIVR, Inc.including promoting and providing introductions to supporters, customers, investors, foundations, individuals, and corporations.

At Cantor Colburn, Mr. Christensen focuses his practice on assisting clients in protecting their inventions in both U.S. and foreign patent offices in a variety of technical fields, including automotive, electrical power distribution and transmission, renewable energy, and optical measurement systems. He counsels startup to medium sized clients in preparing their portfolios for investment financing and associated due diligence activities and he assists all clients in developing cost effective strategies for building and managing their IP portfolios. Cantor Colburn’s Additive Manufacturing Practice was one of the first in the country, and as its chair, Mr. Christensen leads a team of attorneys experienced in protecting IP rights in innovative additive manufacturing technologies, like 3D printing. This is important because the relative ease of 3D printing makes client innovations especially vulnerable to counterfeiting. The team has assisted companies of all sizes, as well as university technology transfer offices and government research institutions the strategic guidance they need to compete successfully in an evolving market and realize all the opportunities afforded by their IP properties. Before beginning his career as an IP attorney, Mr. Christensen was as an engineer and gained hands-on experience in additive technologies such as 3D printing, manufacturing and product design. He holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Hartford and an M.S. in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a J.D. from Concord Law School. He is a guest lecturer at the Western New England University and the University of Connecticut School of Law.

About Cantor Colburn:
Cantor Colburn LLP is one of the largest full-service IP law firms in the country, with more than 100 attorneys and agents providing counsel to clients around the globe from offices in Hartford, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Houston and Detroit. Exceptionally well-versed in a wide range of cutting-edge technologies, the firm’s clients work in a broad spectrum of industries, including chemical, life sciences, pharmaceutical, medical devices, manufacturing, consumer products, energy, software, telecommunications, entertainment, and more. Recent rankings include #4 for U.S. Utility Patents (IP Watchdog), #3 for U.S. Design Patent (Ant-like Persistence), #8 for U.S. Trademark Registrations (Ant-like Persistence), Fastest Growing U.S. Patent Law Firm (Juristat) and Top 100 Law Firms for Minority Attorneys (Law360).

About McEIVR, Inc.
McEIVR, Inc. is the 501(c)3 non-profit launching MakerspaceCT, a community resource, open to the public, offering classes for all types of equipment and tools needed to make or manufacture prototypes, cosplay, hobbyist or artistic projects. The 20,000+ sf facility will be a springboard for innovation and a new way to boost career interest in manufacturing, technology, and hardware development. In addition, the movement is sparking renewed interest for both students and adults in critical STEAM learning (science, technology, engineering, arts, math).The demand for our diverse program has been spurred by strong, recent growth in small business manufacturing, technological innovation, and DIY activities in communities across the United States.

ASTC Annual Conference Brings Visitors From Around The Globe To Connecticut

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Mark Mathias, founder of Remarkable STEAM and Maker Faire Westport.

This past weekend, the Connecticut Science Center hosted 1,500 guests from around the world for the annual conference of the Association of Science-Technology Centers.

The meeting, which attracted attendees from as far away as China, was a showcase of the latest technology and education trends and a chance to learn from keynote speakers, such as renowned science journalist Ed Yong.

Representatives from MakerspaceCT were fortunate to take part in the opening Leadership Reception on Friday night, which featured Gov. Dannel Malloy, Connecticut Science Center President Matt Fleury, and Sudhi Bangalore, director of Stanley Black & Decker’s Manufactory in Downtown Hartford.

“I was fascinated by the amount of science and tech options, and educational devices available to libraries and schools.” said MakerspaceCT’s Mark Colbert. “Seeing it all on display in one place is eye-opening.”

While the conference highlighted the benefits of technology, the organizers also made sure to show how low-tech, old-school approaches are still viable today. The exhibit hall also included a large, pop-up makerspace.

“It was great to see the science centers and science teachers understand the value the maker movement and that they are looking to collaborate with makerspaces.” said Devra Sisitky, MakerspaceCT’s executive director.

The event continued through Sunday, offering a global community of STEM educators an environment in which they could forge partnerships with like-minded people and institutions.

“The Connecticut Science Center did an amazing job hosting this event.” said Sisitky. “We were fortunate to have it take place in Hartford.”

Having A Blast At Greater Hartford Mini-Maker Faire 2018

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Greater Hartford Mini-Maker Faire 2018 was an out-of-this world event. And MakerspaceCT had BLAST (literally)!

Volunteers from MakerspaceCT and Stanley Black & Decker hosted enthusiastic young attendees for the Air Rocket Challenge. We had four tables for making the rockets, lined up with kids of all ages and their families helping each other and cheering each other on.
 
Stanley Black & Decker provided Stanley and DeWalt tools for assembly of the rockets. MakerspaceCT also devoted one table to a 3D printing demonstration.

The awesome dual-temp glue guns made it easy, fast and safe for kids to build their rockets. The low temperature makes using the glue guns very user-friendly for all ages and the bonds are extremely strong

The parents and other adults in attendance were just as engaged as the boys and girls.

You could see the eagerness and joy in the eyes of both kids and adults, as they had the chance to launch their rockets over and over. Everyone went home with smiles on their faces with the rockets they built.

We look forward to participating again next year. Special thanks to CBIA for putting on the event and to Connecticut’s Old State House for providing the perfect venue.

MakerspaceCT is a program of McEIVR, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

HARTFORD AND EAST HARTFORD SELECTED AS AN INNOVATION PLACE

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HARTFORD AND EAST HARTFORD SELECTED AS AN INNOVATION PLACE

 

HARTFORD AND EAST HARTFORD, CONN (June 7, 2017) – The communities of Hartford and East Hartford, led by The Hartford/East Hartford Innovation Places Planning Team, have been selected as an Innovation Place, announced yesterday afternoon by the CTNext Board of Directors.  The Hartford/East Hartford Initiative will receive up to $2 million in Implementation Grant funds in fiscal year 2018 to begin implementing the team’s vision for making Hartford and East Hartford a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and business growth.

 

The selection of The Hartford/East Hartford Initiative concludes a process that began last summer and culminated last month with a site visit and pitch.

 

“With a strong presence in the insurance, healthcare and aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries, Hartford/East Hartford is already one of the State’s – and the region’s – strongest economic center points,” said Glendowlyn Thames, Executive Director of CTNext.  “As a designated Innovation Place, we are excited to see the impressive leadership team bring together its existing resources and assets, many of which have been underutilized to this point, and take the Hartford/East Hartford communities to the next level.”

 

Innovation Places is a CTNext-run program created to help the state’s communities become centers for entrepreneurship and innovation, magnets for talent, and launching points for growth-stage companies.  The program will distribute $6.9 million in fiscal year 2018 to selected Innovation Places communities to support implementation of their strategic plans.

 

Senator John Fonfara (D-Hartford), who was instrumental in designing a comprehensive law to help Connecticut embrace the innovation economy, joined other leaders in applauding the decision by CTNext to invest in the Hartford area.

 

“I’d like to congratulate the core team that made this happen, in particular Michelle Cote of the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation,” Sen. Fonfara said.

 

“I am incredibly grateful to the dozens of entrepreneurs, education and business leaders, and city staff who developed a powerful vision for Hartford and East Hartford as a hub of innovation,” said Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin.  “Our proposal focused on Greater Hartford’s strengths in the insurance, aerospace, and medical technology fields, and this is exactly the kind of effort that will change the game for our region and for the state.  The entire Hartford-East Hartford Innovation Places team should be proud of their winning proposal, and I look forward to working together, in partnership with CTNext, to make the Greater Hartford region a truly vibrant ecosystem of innovation.”

 

“We are very excited to partner with Hartford on this regional initiative which will further strengthen our communities as a hub for innovation and growth,” said East Hartford Mayor Marcia Leclerc.  “Together our communities provide many benefits to innovators and entrepreneurs looking for a central location at the crossroads of New England with easy access to collaborative partnerships with first class universities, other pioneering businesses, and established manufacturing and research centers of excellence.”

 

“It has been remarkable for me to watch our community come together in service of creating the right conditions for entrepreneurs and innovators to thrive, and attract top talent to our community,” said Michelle Cote, Managing Director of the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at UConn.  “We have received commitments and investments from both Hartford and East Hartford, as well as the community’s anchor companies, educational institutions, and civic organizations. The strength of our strategy comes from cooperation, coordination, and collaboration in pursuit of a shared goal.”

 

A summary of The Hartford/E. Hartford Initiative’s proposal and application is available on the CTNext website at http://ctnext.com/innovation-places/.  For more information, please contact Michelle Cote, at michelle.cote@uconn.edu.

 

The Hartford/East Hartford Innovation Places Planning Team includes leaders from the following organizations: UConn, Goodwin College, Trinity College, University of Hartford, Metro Hartford Alliance, Travelers, The Hartford, Phoenix, Hanover Group, CIGNA, XL Catlin, Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Hartford Healthcare, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, City of Hartford, Town of East Hartford, reSET, Connecticut Small Business Development Center, Upward Hartford, MakerspaceCT and several entrepreneurs.

 

Each of these community stakeholders will play a role in the execution of the group’s strategy, and in making Hartford and East Hartford visible centers of entrepreneurship and innovation.

 

About CTNext

 

CTNext is Connecticut’s go-to resource for entrepreneurial support.  The goal of the program is to build a more robust community of entrepreneurs and to accelerate startup growth by providing access to talent, space, industry expertise, services, skill development and capital to foster innovation and create jobs for people in Connecticut. CTNext launched in 2012 and has more than 1,700 members in its network.  Visit www.ctnext.com for more information.

 

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The headquarters for the Maker Movement in Connecticut. 

Our mission is to positively impact lives by enabling access, innovation, and education.

Location: 960 Main St, Hartford, CT

Main Entrance: 36 Talcott St, Hartford CT (Get Directions)

Operating Hours:
We are operating at reduced capacity for July – Aug 2022. 

New Operating Hours (starting 7/22): Fri: 10am-9pm / Sat: 10am-6pm / Sun – Thurs: CLOSED

IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER: Check our website homepage or Facebook and Twitter for updates for possible changes to our hours of operation.

Holiday schedule:

Wed, Nov 23, 2022: Closing at 5:00 p.m.
Thu, Nov 24, 2022: CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING
Sat, Dec 24, 2022: Closing at 5:00 p.m.
Sun, Dec 25, 2022: CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS
Sat, Dec 31, 2022: Closing at 5:00 p.m.
Sun, Jan 1, 2023: CLOSED FOR NEW YEAR'S DAY

MakerspaceCT is a program of McEIVR, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

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860-619-MAKE

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