Lacey MakerSpace scholarships target local innovation and startup growth 

Lacey MakerSpace, a community workshop housed at Saint Martin’s University, is awarding full-year memberships under a program funded by the City of Olympia and City of Lacey. 

The initiative eliminates the $660 annual membership cost for eligible residents of Olympia or Lacey, who demonstrate financial need and a project-ready mindset.  

The scholarship drive, launched on Friday, July 11, is supported by appropriations from both the Olympia City Council and City of Lacey. 

Applicants must live within either jurisdiction and must not have held an active MakerSpace membership in the past 12 months, according to a statement released by the Thurston Economic Development Council. 

Lacey MakerSpace stated the scholarships were created “to remove financial barriers and provide access to equipment and training, as well as a welcoming community of makers, artists, and innovators.” 

The 12-month membership includes access to tools and instructional resources in woodworking, 3D printing, laser cutting, sewing and metal fabrication. 

Lacey MakerSpace encouraged “curious beginners, artists, inventors, or small business owners” to apply. Applicants are asked to state their interests and explain how access to the MakerSpace would support their development. 

The organization acknowledged that financial need “can take many forms” and urged all interested individuals to apply. 

Lacey MakerSpace is a public-private collaboration between the City of Lacey, Saint Martin’s University, and Thurston Economic Development Council’s Center for Business & Innovation. The facility opened in 2019 and serves as a technical education and prototyping site for residents, students and startups. 

The organization added, “We are deeply grateful to the City of Lacey and the City of Olympia for making these opportunities possible through their ongoing investment in innovation, education, and access to creative tools and training.” 

Lacey MakerSpace confirmed the scholarships will be awarded on a rolling basis. 

The scholarship program builds on other public investments in the facility. In recent years, Lacey MakerSpace received federal grant money, including a $1 million award from the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration to expand equipment access. 

To take part in the scholarship program, visit the official Lacey MakerSpace site. Inquiries can be sent to Michelle Pope at michelle@laceymakerspace.org.