Our 2024 High-school student mentorship program is designed to introduce high-school students to the industrial arts, prototyping tools, and fabrication disciplines at Make Santa Fe.
Our goal is to get each student excited about opportunities in these areas. Each week, one of our member teachers (under staff supervision) will direct students to complete a small project in one of our disciplines. Students will be encouraged to bring their ideas and projects and provided with guided free time to work on their ideas.
Program Sponsor
Our Disciplines
Depending on student interest, we’ll dive into a selection of these disciplines and complete a small project. Students will get hands-on experience using the tools and equipment. Each session will serve as an introduction, enabling students to practice their craft independently.
Harness the power of water and abrasive to cut through virtually any material with precision. This badge covers setup, safety, and operation of the water jet cutter, enabling you to tackle projects involving metal, stone, glass, and more.
Learn to machine metal parts with precision using a lathe and mill. This badge covers setup, operation, and tool selection for shaping and drilling metal components. Ideal for engineers, inventors, and metal fabricators.
Enhance your welding skills with intermediate-level training. Build on MIG welding basics as you learn advanced techniques, material preparation, and troubleshooting for clean, strong welds. Create more ambitious and precise metal projects.
Unlock advanced CNC capabilities with this badge focused on the rotary CNC. Create 3D carvings, rounded designs, and cylindrical objects using our dedicated rotary CNC.
Take your CNC skills to the next level! This badge covers advanced techniques in programming and operating CNC routers, plasma cutters, and mills. Learn how to use specialized tools, optimize material usage, and tackle complex designs with confidence.
Unlock the secrets of firing pottery and ceramics with this essential badge. Learn to safely load, unload, and operate kilns for bisque and glaze firings. Perfect for potters and ceramicists seeking more control over their work.
Learn to control devices and automate projects with this electrifying badge. You’ll explore wiring, soldering, and programming microcontrollers like Arduino, opening up a world of possibilities in robotics, home automation, and wearable tech.
Take your blacksmithing skills up a notch by learning to use the power hammer. This badge focuses on operating the machine safely while achieving precision in shaping and drawing out steel. Perfect for tackling larger projects and reducing manual labor.
Dive into the world of ceramics with this hands-on badge. Learn techniques for hand-building, wheel throwing, and glazing to create functional or artistic pottery. Discover the joy of working with clay, from shaping to firing in the kiln.
Explore the art of creating molds and casting materials like bronze and aluminum. This badge teaches you to design, build, and pour molds for sculpture, prototypes, and industrial applications. Gain the skills to replicate objects with precision.
Turn raw wood into beautiful creations with our wood lathe badge. Learn turning techniques for spindles, bowls, and decorative items, along with proper safety and tool handling.
From fashion to upholstery, this badge covers industrial sewing machine operation, material handling, and construction techniques. Gain the confidence to sew durable and professional-quality projects with precision and speed.
Discover the ancient art of blacksmithing! In this badge, you’ll learn foundational forging techniques, including hammer control, heat treatment, and shaping steel. Create functional and decorative metalwork as you master the anvil and forge in our well-equipped studio.
Learn the CNC router and bring your woodworking or fabrication projects to life. This badge covers software setup, toolpath creation, and machine operation. Design and carve intricate patterns or precision-cut parts with ease.
Unleash your creativity with laser cutting! This badge teaches you to prepare designs, select materials, and safely operate our laser cutters to create precise cuts, engravings, and intricate details for projects big and small.
Cut through metal like a pro with our plasma cutter badge. Learn to prepare designs, set up the machine, and execute clean, precise cuts for fabrication, art, and repair projects.
Get hands-on experience in metal fabrication with our MIG welding badge. Learn welding techniques, metal preparation, and safety protocols to confidently build and repair metal structures or artistic projects.
Build a strong foundation in woodworking with this essential badge. Learn to use hand tools, power tools, and stationary machines to measure, cut, assemble, and finish wood projects safely and effectively.
Learn the basics of additive manufacturing with this badge. From slicing models to operating FDM printers, you’ll gain hands-on experience turning 3D designs into physical objects. Learn troubleshooting, material selection, and post-processing techniques to ensure your prints are successful every time.
Membership
Students who are selected for this mentorship will receive a 3-month membership to Make Santa Fe. They will gain access to the related shops, tools, and equipment as they complete introductions in each discipline. This enables students to explore their craft and art on their own time. Please note: supervision is limited outside of structured mentorship time.
Schedule
- The 6-week program starts January 20th, 2024.
- Every Saturday from 10 am – 3 pm.
- Students will be gifted a 3-month membership that enables them to utilize Make Santa Fe during open hours (Wed-Sun, 12-8 pm)
| Week 1 – January 20 | Student Introductions and Make Santa Fe Tour 3D Printing |
| Week 2 – January 27 | Ceramics |
| Week 3 – February 3 | Blacksmithing |
| Week 4 – February 10 | TBD |
| Week 5 – February 17 | Woodshop |
| Week 6 – February 24 | Electronics & Circuits Program Wrap-up, Project Showcase |
