Inez will soon be host to east Kentucky’s first makerspace, a place where creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship intersect. The Roy Collier Community Center has received $315,000 in federal grant funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission to renovate and equip the new “Dream Discovery” makerspace at the Community Center.
“We have always been focused on creative programs for our kids, but this new grant will really take our programs to the next level,” said Executive Director Carolea Mills. “Our area will soon be offering world-class opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) right here in Inez.”
The regional Dream Discovery Center project will have a wide range of equipment available for use by “makers” who visit – including a Computer lab, a Lego Robotics lab, a Fab lab with 3D printers, laser and vinyl cutters, and a center for creative expression. The facility is expected to draw youth and adults alike from across the region to put their creative, innovative and entrepreneurial talents to work.
“The maker movement is the name being given to creative folks who solve problems by making things, or ‘makers’. There’s even a reality TV show about it now on TBS. We have a lot of creative makers and tinkerers around here so we look forward to them now having a makerspace to come and turn their ideas into reality,” said Mills.
Project leaders say the Dream Discovery Center will be initially focused on youth programs with plans for several summer camps in the works. The Center will also have a Children’s Museum component where area youth can explore science and technology exhibits on their own.
The Center expects these new programs and activities to be a tourism draw for the community attracting people from Huntington to Pikeville and beyond to visit and make use of the fee-based facilities. These fees will then be reinvested into community center programs to keep the Center open and operating.
For more information, contact Kayla Keeton or Richard Delong at the community center.
The Dream Discovery Center is a project that came out of the Dream Martin County coalition’s work in the community over the last two years and is part of a comprehensive community plan currently being developed by the group.
