Experiential Making and Learning

Supports alumni in pursuing creative endeavors such as clothing lines, comic books, and one-man shows, promoting personal expression and community impact beyond incarceration.

Offers post-secondary educational programming through two 15-week semesters with classes held five evenings per week, including a summer College Writing I course at two facilities. Provides college-level courses accredited by the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS), with fifteen courses recommended for 3 college credits each, and maintains an articulation agreement with Nyack College for credit transfer toward a degree. Programs operate in three New York State correctional facilities, including Sing Sing, Fishkill, and Woodbourne, and have been ongoing since at least 2010.

Builds capacity within its educational programs by recruiting retired clergy and experienced professionals to serve as volunteer instructors in correctional facilities.

Provides vocational training and professional development that prepares formerly incarcerated individuals for careers in skilled trades such as electrical work, boiler control systems, industrial hygiene, and hazardous materials inspection. Supports alumni in securing employment in social services and environmental safety roles, with some earning over $60,000 annually, contributing to long-term economic stability post-release.

Provides low-cost music tutoring, affordable instrument procurement, free career management education, and access to low-cost career tools for aspiring musicians. Served between 97 and 129 individuals annually, as reported in IRS Form 990 filings.

Offers youth-focused STEAM education programs and public classes in making and fabrication to inspire interest in engineering and manufacturing careers, including custom professional development offerings and multi-session instruction.

Helps startups access regional and statewide resources, including funding opportunities, manufacturing referrals, business assistance, and eligibility support for Innovate 518 Hotspot tax incentives upon program completion.

Provides regular in-person tours of the facility every Tuesday evening and by appointment to engage the broader community and promote access to maker resources.

Provides 24/7 access to a fully equipped makerspace featuring over $250,000 in fabrication tools, along with training for safe use and ongoing member support. The facility serves a community of 250+ makers and offers member businesses the ability to use its address as their legal business location.

Develops a defined scope of work for each incubated startup, outlining prioritized actions based on project status, goals, and timeline to ensure focused progress.

Supports the commercialization of hardware, deep-tech, and game development innovations through a structured incubator program that includes mentorship, networking, need-based referrals, technical guidance from experienced Manufacturing Mentors, and regular progress check-ins.

Hosts regular open houses on Thursdays at 6pm and Saturdays at 11am, offering introductory tours and safety orientations to prospective members and the public.

Operates multiple 3D printers using PLA, ABS, and other materials, including high-resolution SLA resin printers, and offers regular classes on 3D printing and SLA 3D printing to teach safe and proper operation.

Operates two Avid CNC routers with 2'x2' and 4'x4' bed sizes for wood project cutting, offers an Intro to CNC class, and provides mentorship from trained members to support new users in completing their first projects.

Provides access to a Cricut Maker, EasyPress heat press, laminator, paper cutters, and mat cutter for paper and vinyl arts projects, and offers a class on Cricut Design Space and heat transfer vinyl to teach members safe and effective use.

Provides members access to laser cutters following completion of training and instructor approval, offers regular introductory classes on safe operation, and periodically offers intermediate classes such as laser etching on glass.

Provides access to sewing machines, a serger, an embroidery machine, sewing accessories, tools, and donated fabric in a dedicated work area, and offers introductory classes on sewing and embroidery machine use.

Offers a broad range of periodic and regular classes and workshops in science, technology, engineering, math, and the arts, including programming, robotics, electronics, CAD, game development, and fiber arts, to promote skill-building and community learning.