students walk through Generator building, creative materials in background

Maker Program

Turn your creative visions into a reality.

Maker Program

Location

Miller Information Commons, Main Campus

Generator Makerspace, Generator
40 Sears Lane,
Burlington, VT 05401

Office Hours

Varies, please contact us

Contact Us

What is the Maker Program?

The Maker Program provides spaces to the Champlain College community where they can prototype and build whatever their mind envisions.

These maker spaces provide students, faculty and staff access to maker tools and processes like laser engravers, 3D printers, vinyl cutters, sewing machines, and more. Located on and off-campus, our makerspaces are ideal for creating prototypes and small-scale production runs.

Join our email list to receive updates and event information

About Us

The Maker Program is managed by Maker Program Coordinator staff and run by a team of student Maker Technicians who help facilitate tool access to the College community. Together, this team hosts pop up campus events, leads Open Hours in the maker spaces, and offers tours/workshops to promote creativity and tool accessibility.

Where are the Makerspaces?

  • miller information commons (library) exterior
    Miller Information Commons, Main Campus

    The Miller Information Commons currently houses a small Laser cutter (12″ x 24″ bed size) and a 3D printer. Sign up for an Open Hours appointment to get started on making something!

  • large building with mural, generator spelled out on the side
    Generator Makerspace, Lakeside Campus

    Champlain College’s partnership with Generator, a local public makerspace, gives Champlain College students and employees access to a broad selection of maker tools and tech.

Ways to Get Involved

  • Open Lab Hours at Miller Information Commons

    Sign up for free Open Lab Hours appointments at the MIC to get help from a trained student employee Maker Technician in using the 3D printer or laser cutter. No experience required!

    Sign Up for Open Hours at MIC
  • Open Lab Hours at Generator

    Anyone from the Champlain community can sign up for an Open Lab Hours appointments at Generator to get help from a trained student employee Maker Technician in using the sewing machines, vinyl cutter, 3D printers, or laser cutters. No experience required!

    Sign Up for Open Hours at Generator
  • Group Tours/Workshops Requests

    Faculty, staff, and student club leaders can bring an academic class or College group to Generator or the MIC for a tour of available tools and/or a small workshop.

    Request a Group Activity
  • Project Memberships to Generator

    Free, semester-length memberships to Generator are available to current students, staff, and faculty through an application process. Members can take free training classes and will have access to the space 9am – 9pm daily. Classes in woodworking, metal working, jewelry, and electronics are also available for a fee.

    Submit Your Application
  • Student Employment Opportunities

    The Maker Program employs a number of students every semester to work as Library Services Maker Technicians or Lead Maker Technicians at Generator. Updated postings are available to current students on Handshake.

    Champlain Handshake
  • Events and Updates

    The Maker Program often hosts events in collaboration with other groups/departments on campus. Keep your eye out for workshops/art days in screen printing, upcycling, and more!

    Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Available Tools & Required Training

  • Tool Location Training Required
    3D Printer Miller Information Commons None
    Laser Cutter/Engraver, 12″ x 24″ Miller Information Commons None
    3D Printer Generator Makerspace None
    Laser Cutters/Engravers, 20″ x 32″ and 36″ x 48″ Generator Makerspace None
    Vinyl Cutter Generator Makerspace None
    Sewing Machines Generator Makerspace None
    Computer Lab (with Adobe Suite, CAD Software, 3D Modeling Software) Generator Makerspace None
  • Tool Location Training Required
    3D Printer Generator Makerspace Orientation + 3D Laser Training
    Laser Cutters/Engravers Generator Makerspace Orientation + Laser Training
    Vinyl Cutter Generator Makerspace Orientation + Vinyl Cutter Training
    Sewing Machines Generator Makerspace Orientation + Sewing Training
    Jewelry Studio Generator Makerspace Orientation + Jewelry Studio Training (fee)
    Electronics Lab Generator Makerspace Orientation + Electronics Lab Training (fee)
    Woodshop Tools (Table Saw, Miter Saw, Planer, Jointer, Band Saw, Drill Press, Hand Tools) Generator Makerspace Orientation + Woodshop Intro Training (fee)
    Metal Shop Tools (Band Saw, Drill Press, Sanders, Grinders, Hand Tools) Generator Makerspace Orientation + Metal Shop Intro Training (fee)
    Advanced Woodshop Tool (CNC Router, 4 Axis Mill, Wood Lathe) Generator Makerspace Orientation + Woodshop Intro Training + Advanced Tool Training (fee)
    Advanced metal Shop Tools (MIG & TIG Welder, Oxy-Acetylene Torch, Machine Lathe, Vertical Mill) Generator Makerspace Orientation + Metal Shop Intro Training + Advanced Tool Training (fee)