Young Makers Tool & Technology Access
Through the generous support of the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor, Maker Works is offering pay-what-you-can access for anyone aged 13-17 residing in Washtenaw County.
Who This Is For
You don’t have to be the parent of a teen to benefit!
Anyone in a mentor-like position of teens aged 13-17 can use this.
For example: teachers of middle/high schoolers, leaders of youth groups like girl/boy scouts, robotics, etc.
How It Works
1. Verify that you qualify
To qualify:
Age Restrictions
You or your child must be aged 13-17. Anyone 15 or younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Residence
You must reside in Washtenaw County.
2. See the shop!
Not sure what can be done here, what tools exist, or how to start a project?
3. Register for classes using discount codes
Most “cool” tools require authorization through short, single-day Tool Training classes.
Discount Codes
Once you get to the payment screen for any class, enter one of these codes:
ROTARY25 = 25% off
ROTARY50 = 50% off
ROTARY75 = 75% off
ROTARY100 = 100% off (free!)
4. Use the shop with free day passes
When you come in, tell the front desk: “I’d like to use a Rotary Grant day pass.”
After that, go use the space!
Accompanying Teens
Teens aged 13-15 must be accompanied for both classes and shop use.
For taking classes:
An adult supervisor must register for a seat in addition to the teen. The supervisor can use one of the discount codes if needed.
For using tools and being in the shop:
A supervisor must be with the teen in the shop.
If the teen is using a tool that requires authorization, the supervisor must also be authorized on that tool (through the relevant Tool Training class).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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No, they can take classes and use the shop independently.
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If you want your group to take classes and then use tools, you can follow the usual process listed above.
Keep in mind most classes are capped to 2 or 3 students per session. This means you’ll have to split your group into multiple class sessions.
If it’s not feasible for your group to come here frequently, you might be interested in a one-time group experience. Please contact us directly (frontdesk@maker-works.com) and we can plan something!
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If you are taking a class solely to supervise a teen, please feel free to use the pay-what-you-can discount codes.
Same for coming into the shop: if your role is to supervise a teen who is using tools, let staff know so we can provide you with a free day pass as well.
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As long as the parent/guardian is the one to sign the liability agreement, an unrelated adult (like a teacher, mentor, or group leader) can accompany the teen(s).
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For teens 13-15, please keep a ratio of 2 teens to 1 adult.
Since teens 16-17 do not have to be accompanied, there is no limit to group size for them.