Frequently Asked Questions
Most frequent questions and answers
Our makerspace is open to everyone in the local community, with a focus on serving youth in North Portland. There are no membership requirements, and individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels are welcome to use the space and its resources for their creative projects.
Our makerspace is equipped with a range of creative tools and machinery, including silhouette cutters, a direct-to-garment printer, heat presses, a laser cutter, and 3D printers. These resources are available for you to bring your projects to life. Click here to learn more about our Makerspace.
The Makerspace is open 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on drop in days a few times per month, which requires advance registration. View our calendar and contact us to reserve drop-in hours.
No, we do not require formal training to use our equipment. However, we have Connectors (Mentors) on hand to provide assistance and guidance if needed. Additionally, we offer some basic projects to help you get started and feel comfortable using our tools and machinery.
We do not have formal age requirements for children at our makerspace. However, we do require that children are capable of self-management, as snacks are self-serve, and they need to be able to handle this responsibly. For children who are dropped off, we request that basic registration information be provided, and a waiver must be signed by a parent or guardian to ensure their safety while using our facilities.
We recommend following our Facebook page, checking our Eventbrite listings, and signing up for our mailing list. We typically offer 12 camps per year, and our past workshops have covered a wide range of topics, including Permacomputing Camp, Space Camp, Creativity Camp, and Green Entrepreneurship Camp. Additionally, we have drop-in hours approximately twice per month, providing flexibility for those who want to visit and explore the Makerspace.
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own materials for your projects. However, we do not provide storage for large projects. Please note that our space is publicly accessible, and any items you leave in the space are stored at your own risk.
NE STEAM Coalition has a few fundamental rules to ensure a safe, secure, and productive environment for all Makerspace users:
- Wear Appropriate Safety Gear: Always use the required safety gear, such as safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection, when using specific tools and equipment.
- Ask for Help: If you’re unsure about a tool or process, don’t hesitate to ask a mentor or staff member for guidance.
- Keep Workspaces Clean: Maintain a tidy workspace to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment for yourself and others.
- No Food or Drinks Near Equipment: To prevent accidents and damage to machinery, food and drinks are not allowed near the equipment.
- Follow Equipment Guidelines: Use tools and machinery according to their guidelines and instructions. Improper use can lead to accidents.
- Report Accidents or Near Misses: If you witness or are involved in an accident or a near miss, report it immediately to a staff member.
- Respect Others’ Space: Be mindful of fellow makerspace users, and respect their workspace and projects.
- Emergency Procedures: Familiarize yourself with the location of emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and first-aid kits, and know the emergency procedures.
- Proper Material Disposal: Dispose of materials and waste appropriately in designated bins.
- Child Supervision: If you bring children to the makerspace, please supervise them closely to ensure their safety.