Philosophy

Our values: curiosity, collaboration, and opportunity for all.

Our Philosophy

We believe creating is more than operating machines — it’s at the core of all strong communities. Our philosophy is built on a simple cycle: conceive bold ideas, cultivate skills through collaboration, and create products that carry meaning, all while strengthening local education, businesses, and communities.
Our focus is sustainability, inclusion, and impact — building not just parts and products, but futures and stronger communities.

Come find your Spark!Learn more about the Forge

Our Motivation

We believe that making is more than a skill — it’s a spark. Every tool, every lesson, and every collaboration is designed to transform curiosity into confidence, and ideas into impact.

Our motivation is simple: to create a space where people of all ages can learn, experiment, and grow. We are here to prove that precision manufacturing and creativity are not reserved for industry giants — they belong in the hands of students, community members, and future innovators.

By connecting education with real-world production, we give makers the chance not only to imagine new products, but also to build them, share them, and see them succeed. Every project is an opportunity to teach, to learn, and to contribute to something larger than ourselves.

We are motivated by people — by their stories, their skills, and their potential. By building together, we create more than just parts and products; we create opportunities, sustainability, and a stronger community.

Who We Are

The forge thrives because of the people who bring it to life. Our community is not just one group — it’s a network of teachers, students, businesses, volunteers, members, and experts who each play a vital role in the cycle of making.

Teachers bring their knowledge and passion into the space, guiding learners across disciplines — from machining to design to the arts. They turn classrooms into workshops of imagination.

Students arrive with curiosity and leave with skills. They learn by doing, by experimenting, and by creating — building confidence as well as products.

Volunteers support the space in countless ways, from maintaining tools to helping with projects. Their gift of time keeps the doors open and the machines running.

Members are the backbone of the space. They join to access tools and the community, but they stay because they find collaboration, growth, and a sense of belonging.

Experts lend their precision and experience. They mentor, they solve challenges, and they raise the bar — showing what’s possible when craft meets technology.

Together, these groups thrive by challenging tradition. They create a living ecosystem of creativity, learning, and collaboration — where everyone contributes, and everyone belongs.

Why Manufacturing?

Manufacturing is the focus of the space because it transforms creativity into something tangible, useful, and lasting. Prototypes are powerful, but production is what gives ideas impact — creating jobs, funding education, and proving that local, sustainable making can compete on a global stage.

By centering on CNC machining and digital fabrication, we give members access to real industry tools, real production experience, and the ability to see their projects move from sketch → prototype → product → market. Manufacturing isn’t just what we do — it’s how we empower people, strengthen communities, and sustain the space for the future.

How We Act

Our bylaws are simple: every person, tool, and idea deserves respect. It is a collaborative community where safety, inclusivity, and creativity come first. We welcome learners of all ages and backgrounds, and we expect all members to uphold a culture of kindness, fairness, and responsibility.