Over the last five years, conversations with La Porte County employers revealed that the manufacturing companies were struggling to find individuals with the interests and skillsets necessary to perform work in the industry. As a pillar of learning in the community with a small makerspace and STEAM equipment for children, we saw an opportunity to create a space where individuals could develop skills on manufacturing and technical equipment while sharing their expertise with others.

Throughout 2020 and 2021, LPCPL worked to renovate a historically significant building in downtown, train staff members on a variety of new equipment and ensure they were prepared to teach classes and workshops, acquire machinery and community support for the space, and market the new location. The LPCPL Exchange opened on June 28, 2021 fully equipped with hands-on learning spaces and equipment that encourage skills and interest in STEAM careers.

Between June 28 and September 30, 2021, the LPCPL Exchange registered 95 official makers, ranging from teens to older adults. More than 3,700 visits have been made to the building. Makerspace use and safety tutorials have been accessed more than 1,000 times as individuals work through information required to register. We anticipate additional growth as word about the space spreads and marketing efforts continue.