Gene Sherman noticed something missing in his community - an open access workshop for people to learn hands-on skills like woodworking, robotics and 3-D printing. He encountered plenty of people that wanted and needed these skills and knowledge, but consistently heard that there was a lack of a place to learn and no affordable place to practice them.

He encountered plenty of people that wanted and needed these skills and knowledge, but consistently heard that there was a lack of a place to learn and no affordable place to practice them.

He decided to take matters into his own hands- and put tools into the hands of others. He launched Vocademy, an open-access makerspace for creators of all skill levels. Vocademy offers a wide variety of hands-on classes in a safe, casual environment, with a convenient schedule- encouraging community members to become inventors and innovators.

Within 4 days of launching Gene received an incredible response, bringing in over $40,000 in pledges to open his flagship location. Backers will receive discounted class packages and charter memberships in exchange for their support.

With 10 days remaining in the fundraise, Vocademy hopes to build on their base of pledges to bring additional features to the makerspace like CNC Machines and Laser Cutters.