Support & Impact
UwIN Grants, donations, & Partnerships
We are grateful for the support and partnerships that allow us to offer innovative and impactful programs to our community. Below are some of the key grants, donations, and mini-grants that have made our work possible!
Pokes Making the Future
Funded By: Cognizant Making the Future Grant (2019-2020)
This program is in partnership with Wyoming 4-H, focused on computational making and STEM education for youth aged 8 and older. Participants engaged in 30 contact hours of hands-on STEM activities over six weeks, developing critical STEM skills through interactive making and technology.
MakerHER Scholar Program
Funded By: Wyoming Afterschool Alliance & STEM Next Foundation (2020-2022)
In partnership with Wyoming 4-H, this program empowered educators to teach girls makerspace activities and foster a culture of inclusivity. Educators earned credits with the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board.
TinkHER
Funded By: Wyoming Afterschool Alliance & STEM Next Foundation (2020-2022)
TinkHER focused on providing leadership opportunities for girls in STEM. Partnering with Wyoming 4-H, the program offered 15- and 30-contact-hour workshops led by women leaders, fostering growth through hands-on learning.
Tinker Tots
Funded By: University of Wyoming Provost Research Grant (2021-2023)
In partnership with the College of Music and the School of Computing, this research project explored toddler engagement in STEM and computational maker activities through analog coding methods, collecting facial data and video footage for cognitive development research.
Creative Critical Action-IOT Climate Justice Kit
Funded By: Sigma Xi (2022-2023)
This project challenge SciCommMake hosted by Sigma Xi, we engineered the Creative Critical Action-IOT Climate Justice Kit, engaging communities in climate justice through innovative, technology-driven solutions. PI Jane Crayton collaborated with Rusty Lowe and programmer Zane Scott on the project.
Equality is Greater Than Division
Funded By: Matthew Shepard Symposium Social Justice Research Grant (2021)
This project supported the class Arts in Social Justice, which combined makerspace activities with social justice topics. An IRB-approved research study examined how creative expression can promote social justice.
Student Makerspace Access & Expansion
Funded By: ASUW Special Projects Grant (2021, 2022, 2023)
ASUW Special Projects Grants allowed us to expand our makerspace programs and offerings, enhancing our ability to serve students and the community.
CSTC Technology Awards
Funded By: CSTC (2021, 2022, 2023)
CSTC grants fund special technology projects for students at the University of Wyoming. These grants have provided funding for 3D printers, laser cutters, and other essential technology for makerspace activities. Funding also supported the development of a live experimental computer for the digital planetarium.
Family and Consumer Science Grant
Funded By: University of Wyoming Libraries (2020, 2022)
This grant funded the purchase of an embroidery machine, sewing machines, a serger, a loom, and more, expanding our capacity to offer textile and crafting projects in the makerspace.
Personal Donations
Donor: Rishi Kant
Donation: Coe Library Donation
Rishi Kant’s generous donation funded the purchase of a 3D printer for the CSIC, expanding the resources available for student projects and innovation.
Donor: Jared Bovinet
Donation: Geek OUT
Jared Bovinet’s donation kickstarted the Geek OUT late-night program, an inclusive space for queer makers to engage in STEM activities and creativity in a welcoming environment.
