FABLab Mahtomedi
The world's first K-12 digital fabrication laboratory providing hands-on engineering education from elementary through high school with community access to industry-grade manufacturing equipment.
- CEO / Founder
- Barbara Duffrin (Superintendent, Mahtomedi Public Schools)
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- $156K
- Key Investors
- Mahtomedi Area Educational Foundation (MAEF), Mahtomedi Public Schools District 832, Public tax funding, Community donors
Technology & Products
Key Products
Engineering is Elementary (EiE) Curriculum - K-5 critical thinking and problem-solving, Middle School Technical Skills Program - laser cutting, 3D printing, traditional shop tools, "How to Make (almost) Anything" - introductory high school engineering course, "How to Make (almost) Anything" Advanced - advanced fabrication techniques, Fundamentals of Engineering - core engineering principles, Biomimicry and Modeling - nature-inspired design methodologies, Engineering Capstone - senior project-based engineering course, Community Education Classes and Annual Memberships, Digital Fabrication Services - 3D printing, CNC milling, laser cutting/engraving, circuit production, precision machining, vinyl cutting
Technological Advantage
Combines MIT-certified Fab Lab network membership with industrial-grade digital fabrication equipment (3D printers, CNC milling machines, laser cutters, circuit production tools, precision machining, vinyl cutting) to provide students authentic engineering experiences; integrates engineering across all disciplines including math, science, literature, English, history, technology, foreign languages; collaborates with business, arts, and culinary programs for interdisciplinary learning; community education model maximizes resource utilization beyond school hours.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Delivers a progressive K-12 engineering education pathway starting from elementary problem-solving through advanced high school capstone projects, providing students with hands-on experience using professional-grade digital fabrication tools while offering community access for lifelong learning and skill development.
How They Differentiate
World's first K-12 digital fabrication laboratory (opened 2011) with complete K-12 engineering continuum from elementary through high school, MIT-certified Fab Lab Network member, community membership model ($50-$400 annual fees), comprehensive course progression including 'How to Make (almost) Anything' and Engineering Capstone
Market & Competition
Target Customers
K-12 students in Mahtomedi Public Schools District 832 (serving Dellwood, Grant, Hugo, Lake Elmo, Mahtomedi, Oakdale, Pine Springs, White Bear Lake, and Willernie); adult community members; educators and community organizations seeking digital fabrication resources
Industry Verticals
K-12 Education, STEM/Engineering Education, Digital Manufacturing, Community Education, Career and Technical Education
Competitors
FabVille (Somerville High School, MA); Apple Valley High School Fab Lab (District 196, MN); Brooklyn International High School Fab Lab (Brooklyn, NY)
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Serves approximately 3,285 students district-wide; 190.74 teachers; 352 total district staff (FTE); Real World Design Challenge (RWDC) state champions 10 times (9 consecutive years through 2025)
Major Milestones
2011: Opened as world's first K-12 digital fabrication laboratory, MIT Fab Lab Network certification and listing on FabLabs.io, U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School recognition, 10-time Real World Design Challenge (RWDC) state champions (as of 2025), Students hired directly by companies like Cummins upon graduation, $86,000 MAEF grant received in May 2024 for digital arts and engineering pathways
Notable Customers
K-12 students in Mahtomedi Public Schools District 832; Community members through annual membership program; Adult education and community education participants