New Haven Public Schools - Fair Haven & Hill Central
Since its inception in 2022, MakeHaven has offered a comprehensive 8-week sewing course for parents of New Haven public school students, aimed at teaching practical skills for clothing repair and alterations. Bringing in Ceresa Newsome, of Endangered Stitches, to instruct the curriculum is divided into four two-week segments covering hand sewing techniques, machine sewing, understanding textile materials, and combining these skills for basic garment repairs. Classes are conveniently held at MakeHaven’s community workshop on Chapel Street, easily accessible by public transportation.
This course, El Arte de Costura, provided at no cost to parents involved in Fair Haven’s after-school programs, includes a 2-month membership to MakeHaven, granting 24/7 access to its facilities. Upon completion, participants receive an additional month of membership, and can apply for a sewing machine, empowering them to continue developing their sewing skills independently. This initiative not only enhances practical abilities but also strengthens community ties through shared learning experiences. This program's participants are primarily Spanish-speaking, a translator is on hand each class to assist in communication.
New Haven Adult Education
Started in Spring 2023, MakeHaven has been collaborating with the New Haven Adult Education program to offer semi-annual training programs each fall and spring for it's students. This partnership provides local adults with the opportunity to engage in hands-on making and learning. Designed specifically for New Haven Adult Education students aged 18 and older, these sessions not only aim to demystify various making disciplines such as CNC Embroidery/Textiles and Casting/Molding but also expose participants to potential new trades and opportunities for personal and professional growth, making innovative tools and technologies accessible to all participants.
The program includes group badging events where students are introduced to different areas of MakeHaven's comprehensive facility. Led by seasoned instructors, these events consist of a presentation followed by a hands-on training session. Upon completion, students earn badges that allow them access to specialized tools at MakeHaven. Supported by NHAE staff and leveraging MakeHaven’s extensive resources, this program has quickly become a foundational element of practical adult education in New Haven, fostering both skill development and community involvement.
Gateway/CT Community College
MakeHaven is proud to continue its dynamic partnership with Gateway Community College, which began in Spring 2023. This collaboration enriches the educational landscape for Gateway students by integrating practical, hands-on learning experiences into their curriculum. Each semester, a selected Gateway faculty member, who also holds a MakeHaven membership, leads students through the process of mastering various tools and techniques crucial for modern making. Once certified to the facilitator level by MakeHaven, this faculty member ensures that students acquire the necessary micro-credentials, or badges, to operate tools independently.
Spanning the full semester, the program is held at MakeHaven’s facility on Chapel Street—a hub where creativity intersects with cutting-edge technology. The initiative fosters a community of skilled makers proficient in diverse disciplines such as woodworking, metalworking, and digital fabrication. With a four-month membership, students can engage in additional badging sessions and participate in group training events, significantly enriching their educational journey.