What Does it Take to Create a Maker Space?

Sitting down with AmeriCorps Maker Fellow Jordan Clayton

Meet Jordan Clayton! Jordan is an AmeriCorps Maker Fellow through the Citizen School’s Makers + Mentors Network (M+MN). He currently serves as a Fellow at his Host Site, the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C. Originally from Richmond, VA, Jordan describes himself as passionate, creative, and thoughtful. Get to know him more and how he’s building a Maker Space through our sit down conversation:

What about the Maker Movement inspires you?

“Learning by doing” and “working with your hands” are natural abilities that we sometimes overlook, often without really realizing it! Bringing experiential learning into classrooms and homes takes a lot of people-power. Luckily, people-power is something that the Maker Movement has no shortage of! Seeing Makers and folks in the Maker Movement work to bring attention to this phenomenon and ensure future generations are set up for success is inspiring and something I feel proud to be a part of.

You are starting to develop a Maker Space at your Host Site, what's been your inspiration in this work?

My Maker Fellow peers and their programs are incredibly inspiring! I love seeing the things others are able to accomplish. Being immersed in the Maker Movement and learning more about Maker Philosophy has helped me retain perspective and remain inspired to be a part of a community of people working with a common goal. The possibilities my team and I in D.C. discover and discuss along the way also inspire me to bring these visions and ideas into reality.

How have you embraced the community at your Host Site?

I am fortunate to have a supervisor who shares my value of community. We refer to our project as a “UDC-Community MakerSpace” because we believe in the inherent support a sense of community brings to folks who live and learn together. We are excited to host our first official Community Advisory Team meeting soon where we hope to build trust and a sense of initiative-ownership among the public! Listening to and learning from the local communities I serve within ensures my work remains responsive and relevant. 

You've done lots of advocating for your work through your own grant writing and proposals, how are you able to achieve those goals? Any advice on grant writing for your peers?

I work with a lot of great people doing a lot of great things. Seeking the areas in which our goals and programs overlap helps tremendously with growth, both for our projects and my professional abilities. My advice would be to surround yourself with supportive colleagues and seek mutually beneficial opportunities to collaborate.

Give us one fun fact about you

I lived and served in Morocco for nearly two years with the Peace Corps!

Thank you for inspiring us all, Jordan! Want to learn more about Making and Maker Education? Check out our Resource Library.

About Makers + Mentors Network

The Makers + Mentors Network (M+MN) is a STEM initiative of Citizen Schools and advances its mission through three primary models: National Community of Practice, Make For All, and AmeriCorps Maker Fellows. Since 2014, the team has worked toward uplifting STEM mentoring and through the addition of Make For All and AmeriCorps Maker Fellows, supporting maker-centered learning.