Maker Pub Academy
Not every organization that needs a makerspace can afford one. The Academy is how we make sure they don't have to.
The initiative
An inclusive innovation hub for Contra Costa County
California's Accelerate California program supports innovation hubs across the state that foster economic growth, support diverse founders, and bring resources to underserved communities. The goal is to create spaces where people can access prototyping, fabrication, mentorship, and training, with a strong focus on equity and inclusion.
Maker Pub and the Academy are aligned with that mission. We're building a facility in Antioch that serves Contra Costa County as a hub for maker education, small business fabrication, and community programming. Antioch is the headquarters, but the reach extends across the region.
Studio + Academy, two sides of one facility
Maker Pub is a production studio that partners with local businesses and entrepreneurs to provide prototyping and fabrication services. The Academy is the community-facing side of that same facility, providing subsidized access for nonprofits, schools, and community organizations.
Together, they create a space where a small business can get a prototype manufactured in the morning, and a group of kids can learn to 3D print in the afternoon. The equipment, the staff, and the space serve both.
The program
Maker Pub Academy is a studio program focused on community enrichment and skill building, supporting early-childhood development and giving low-income and other marginalized communities access to opportunities they wouldn't otherwise have.
Some programs are run directly by the Academy, like low-cost painting and 3D printing workshops open to the community. Others are run by partner organizations who need access to a physical maker facility. In both cases, the Academy provides the space, equipment, supplies, and support to make the program work.
How it works
Apply
A nonprofit or community organization tells us about their program and what they need from the space.
We provide the facility
Maker Pub Academy provides space, equipment, and supplies at a subsidized rate. Your organization brings the teachers and the curriculum.
Run your program
Your team delivers the programming. We handle the equipment, the setup, and the cleanup.
We document the contribution
The difference between the standard rate and the subsidized rate is documented as an in-kind charitable contribution from Maker Pub.
Who it's for
Nonprofits
Organizations running enrichment programming for youth or underserved communities.
Schools & youth programs
Groups that need hands-on maker facilities for classes, after-school programs, or field trips.
Community organizations
Workforce development programs, cultural organizations, and skill-building initiatives.
Cultural craft programs
Groups preserving and teaching craft traditions, from Celtic metalwork to Indigenous beadwork.
Example programs
Some programs are sponsored directly by the Academy. Others are run by partner organizations using the Maker Pub facility.
Community painting workshops
Low-cost open sessions where anyone can walk in and paint. Supplies provided, no experience required.
3D printing intro workshops
Free and low-cost sessions covering the basics of 3D printing, from first print to simple design.
Screen printing workshop
Students create 3D printed mesh screens and produce custom merch, learning fabrication, design, and printmaking in a single session.
Celtic craft series
Metalwork, textile arts, and printmaking rooted in Celtic craft tradition.
Multicultural craft workshops
South American weaving, Arabic geometric design, and Indigenous beadwork.
Kids art & paint workshops
Open sessions for kids with supplies provided at low or no cost. No experience required.
Current partners
League of Celts
Nonprofit · California Nonprofit Corporation
League of Celts is an independent nonprofit dedicated to preserving and teaching cultural craft traditions, starting from Celtic roots and extending to the many cultures connected through shared history, creativity, and community.
Through the Academy, League of Celts provides classes and workshops that give people access to skills they might not encounter otherwise: metalwork, textiles, printmaking, woodwork, and design. Programs travel to schools, community centers, and libraries, and use the Maker Pub facility when hands-on equipment is needed.
Antioch Made
Pilot initiative · Work Together Fund
Antioch Made is a city-funded pilot program where Maker Pub partnered with Steward Advertising and Pestec to teach 3D printing and manufacturing skills in Antioch. The program runs through May 2026 with a final showcase where participants present what they've built.
How it's structured
Partner organizations maintain their own mission, leadership, finances, and programming. Any use of Maker Pub facilities is governed by a written agreement, and the difference between the standard rate and the subsidized rate is documented as a formal charitable contribution from Maker Pub.
Bring your program to Maker Pub
If your organization runs educational programming and needs access to a maker facility, we'd like to hear from you. Tell us about your program, who it serves, and what you'd need from the space.