Jim Correll and Laura Schaid worked in higher education at a community college in Southeast Kansas for 16½ and 24 ½ years, respectively. Jim spent the first eight years facilitating a non-academic entrepreneurship program and the last eight and a half years directing what became the world’s largest Fab Lab/maker space in communities with populations of 10,000 or less. Laura worked in all aspects of academic administration until joining Fab Lab ICC as Program Developer in 2017. During this time, we worked with hundreds of people from all walks of life, seeking solutions to their problems and sometimes to the problems of others. We have both witnessed the absolute magic that happens with project-based learning. People are eager to learn new things when they are engaged in making something of interest to them, including using new tools and technologies. This includes young people learning math and science principles far beyond their “grade” level in school.

Our Challenge

Here are some challenges and shortcomings we observed in how society provides youth with the skills they need to lead successful and fulfilling lives:

• Lack of Basic Life Skills: For several generations, youth have not learned basic life skills needed to solve problems in their personal, professional, and academic lives.
• Entrepreneurial Exploration: Many youths are interested in “owning their own businesses” and being their own bosses, but for the last 100 years, we have not encouraged them to explore business ownership. Education has focused solely on preparing them for jobs working for others.
• Career Direction: Many young people move through traditional education without knowing what they want to do to be productive and fulfilled members of society. While we provide training for dozens of career opportunities, there are thousands of kinds of work in the world needing to be done with no traditional training programs.
• Workforce Training Gaps: Many businesses need work done that is not covered by academic or technical training programs. They say they will train the “right” person, but often say it is increasingly difficult to find the “right person” for these roles. An entrepreneurial mindset and introduction to a variety of technologies and disciplines will transform people into the "right person." Our Applied Entrepreneurial Mindset certificate program will provide participants with a mindset to set their own course toward success and also give employers a pool of entrepreneurial thinkers to recruit.
• Homeschooling Resources: More families want to homeschool but lack the resources to make it work with their schedules.
• Veteran Integration: Veterans, some with PTSD, often find it difficult to find their place in society post-service.
• Engagement for Seniors: Senior citizens often find retirement unfulfilling and believe they have nothing more to offer, not realizing the value of their work ethic, accumulated knowledge, and experience.

Our Vision

At the Academy, we employ a combination of traditional and non-traditional learning approaches, including:

• Project-Based Learning: Participants learn by doing and creating in our Fab Lab/maker space, which offers tools, materials, and guidance across a range of technologies and disciplines. This includes life skills like personal financial management and basic auto and home maintenance.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: We integrate problem-solving and critical thinking into every activity, encouraging innovation and resilience.
• Traditional Tutoring: We provide support to improve reading, writing, and math skills, ensuring a strong foundation for all learners.
• Business Coaching: Entrepreneurs and small business owners have access to trusted, proven guidance from our pool of small business champions. Budding entrepreneurs are encouraged to use academy resources to make products for sale. 

Examples of individuals who could benefit from the Academy to develop skills and find purpose:

• Young People:
• • Catching up in school after the COVID pandemic.
  • Exploring career options and finding their path.
  • Considering a future in technology but unsure where to begin.
  • Needing their high school diplomas (GED.)
• People in the Workforce:
• • Seeking fulfillment beyond their current job or small business.
  • Searching for the confidence to pursue change.
• Senior Citizens:
• • Planning for retirement while staying active and engaged.
  • Seeking supplementary income without a traditional job.
  • Following passions set aside during their careers.
• Veterans:
• • Adjusting to civilian life and seeking a renewed sense of purpose.
  • Exploring entrepreneurship and leveraging military skills.

Entrepreneurial thinking and the potential for small business ownership are infused throughout our programs. While working for others suits some, we recognize that many thrive by charting their own path, managing their schedules, and achieving greater autonomy.

• Computer aided design (CAD)
• Laser and wide-media printing
• Laser engraving/etching
• 3D Printing (additive manufacturing)
• Video / audio production
• Woodworking
• Metalworking
• Paint and coatings
• Sewing, embroidery and fabric printing
• Commercial incubator kitchen
• Small “home kitchen pods” for classes in personal and family meal planning and preparation