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OriginLabs now offers free makerspace memberships to University Park students

OriginLabs provides a fun, welcoming environment where University Park students can experience the world of prototyping, fabrication, and design, now for free

Makerspace Memberships at OriginLabs are now available at no cost to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at University Park. To register for a free student Makerspace Membership, visit the OriginLabs website and fill out the Free Student Membership registration form. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Makerspace Memberships at OriginLabs are now available at no cost to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at University Park.

To register for a free student Makerspace Membership, visit the OriginLabs website and fill out the Free Student Membership registration form.

With support from the Student Initiated Fees and the University Park Fee Board, all University Park students can now enjoy access to OriginLabs’ 7,000+ square feet of world-class facilities for woodworking, metalworking, welding, 3D printing, robotics, and digital fabrication and design in downtown State College at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub.

“We believe everyone should experience the empowerment that comes from making an idea manifest, learning new skills, and engaging in craft,” says Ryan Mandell, director of OriginLabs. “Thanks to Student Initiated Fees, the barrier of cost has been removed. I’m excited to foster an even more open and inclusive community with additional student engagement.”

An OriginLabs Makerspace Membership includes access to tools and equipment, flexible work hours during OriginLabs’ open hours (Monday and Friday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m., and Saturday, 2–5 p.m.), and expert support from staff.

Once registered, students are encouraged to schedule free one-hour tool trainings on the equipment of their choice. Successful completion of training is required for independent tool usage in the space, but OriginLabs staff will always be on hand to ensure members feel comfortable and safe while operating the equipment.

Whether it’s for extracurricular projects or working on a startup prototype, the OriginLabs Makerspace Membership is the perfect opportunity to learn in a welcoming and energetic community of makers, dreamers, and entrepreneurs.

Visit the OriginLabs website to learn more.

About OriginLabs

Located at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub in downtown State College, OriginLabs provides access to world-class prototyping facilities to students and faculty from across campus, as well as members of the public from State College and beyond. The OriginLabs facilities enhance the suite of resources available to researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs in the region in the form of sophisticated equipment, free workshops, and expert advice and technical guidance.

This project was financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community & Economic Development.

Last Updated August 23, 2024