About Fab Lab Tulsa:  The Hardesty Center for Fab Lab Tulsa is an IRS qualified 501 (c) (3) tax exempt, not-for-profit entity located in the Kendall-Whittier neighborhood of Tulsa.  Fab Lab Tulsa delivers education, community and business programming that teaches innovation, design-thinking, problem-solving and change-making.  In addition, the lab provides open community access to advanced manufacturing and digital fabrication tools, equipment, technology and resources.  Fab Lab Tulsa is one of over 2,000 MIT-chartered Fab Labs in more than 78 countries, it is one of a very few independent non-profit labs in the U.S., and the first in the southeastern region of the United States.  Furthermore, we are one of the top labs globally in terms of leadership, organization, support, size and capabilities, and an excellent example of the impact a fab lab can make on a community.

Outreach:  To accomplish our mission, Fab Lab Tulsa has identified the following four primary constituencies, each with distinct interests, needs and requirements, and critical to the organization’s charitable impact and success:

• Community: As a community center, Fab Lab Tulsa is a resource for local technology enthusiasts who span a broad spectrum from hobbyist and tinkerers, to artist and designers, to engineers and scientists, to entrepreneurs and businesses.  Individual members with creative ideas bring them to fruition with the labs equipment and tools.  Programming for individual members includes entry-level and advanced classes to train and certify them in the various skills required to use the facility and equipment without supervision.

• Education: The K-12 education program at Fab Lab Tulsa enables educators to introduce and illustrate a variety of engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, chemical and structural engineering, as well as computer science, math and art.  Additionally, students learn how to envision, design, build, test and refine their ideas through hands-on experience with 2D and 3D design software and digital fabrication tools.  When using technology in education, the key is to enhance the concepts being taught.  Educational programs at Fab Lab Tulsa focus on building skills in core subjects, such as math and science, as well as applied problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity, all of which are critically important in the modern economy.

• Business: Fab Lab Tulsa is a hub for inventors and provides entrepreneurs and businesses with a high-quality, low-cost, low-risk method of rapid prototyping and micro-manufacturing new products.  The objective is to foster entrepreneurship and economic development, as well as encourage start-up companies to grow both within and beyond the lab.  Business and industry members receive extensive technical assistance in using lab equipment and software design applications, as well as access to programs that support their legal and intellectual property needs.

• Network: As a recognized Regional Center of Excellence by the Fab Foundation, we have also built our capacity to support the Fab Lab Network by deploying labs, providing training and professional development, developing curriculum, and serving as a local and regional convener.