WWU MakerMobile

Amount Awarded: $63,814.80 

Academic Year: 2023-2024 

Implementation: Fall 2024 – Spring 2025

This project supports an initiative to extend access to “make-do-build" experiences for WWU and the surrounding community with the goals of fostering innovation, building community, deconstructing engineering stereotypes, and increasing equitable access to tools and equipment. Funding provided the opportunity to purchase an EV van that will be equipped with all sorts of interchangeable learning modules. The customized vehicle will house tools, materials, and technology for users to participate in purposefully designed experiences including workshops, demonstrations, and interactive sessions. 

WWU currently has one small makerspace that is housed in the Engineering and Design building. This makerspace has gained popularity over the past couple of years – demand has outgrown the capabilities of this space. This project team is determined to expand the space, while focusing on a mobile vehicle that can go beyond the bounds of a singular campus location. The idea is that this vehicle can also be taken out into the community to provide educational and interactive experiences. Students will be part of every aspect of this project, learning how to upfit the vehicle, as well as design and construct the learning modules.