Summer Makerspace & Media Innovation Program

Overview

The MIX Maker Academy is a two-week immersive summer program designed for motivated high school students who want to explore advanced technologies, fabrication methods, and creative problem solving in a university makerspace environment.

Hosted in the MIX Makerspace and Media Lab, the program introduces students to a wide range of professional tools and technologies used in engineering, design, robotics, and digital media production.

Participants will rotate through equipment stations, complete hands-on workshops, and develop both skill-building projects and larger interdisciplinary projects that integrate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics).

Students will work closely with MIX staff and mentors while learning how a professional makerspace operates.

By the end of the program, students will leave with:

• Multiple small fabrication projects
• Two larger integrated design projects
• Hands-on experience with advanced tools and technologies
• A multimedia blog portfolio documenting their work

What Students Will Learn

Participants receive guided training in:

Digital Fabrication

• Laser cutting and engraving

• CNC routing for wood and metal

• Machining and precision fabrication

• Vacuum forming and product prototyping

• Vinyl cutting and sublimation printing

Electronics & Robotics

• Soldering and circuit design

• Microcontrollers and sensors

• Robotics and motion systems

• Interactive electronics

Design & Software

• CAD and digital modeling

• Design thinking and prototyping

• Product design workflows

Media Production

• Photography and video production

• Studio lighting techniques

• Project documentation and storytelling

Creative Technologies

• Augmented Reality (AR)

• Virtual Reality (VR) systems

• Interactive design

Projects Students Will Create

Students will complete a series of hands-on projects such as:

• Laser-engraved maker badge
• Mechanical laser-cut puzzle or kinetic object
• CNC carved wooden object
• Interactive LED device
• Mini robotics or motion system
• Embroidered or wearable component
• Vacuum-formed product enclosure

In addition, students will complete two larger interdisciplinary projects, designing and fabricating interactive works that combine technology, materials, and creative design.

Documentation & Portfolio Development

Students will maintain a daily multimedia blog journal, including:

• Written reflections
• Photos of fabrication processes
• Short video documentation
• Design sketches and iterations

This serves as a portfolio documenting their growth, technical skills, and creative development.