WHAT WE DO

Since its inception in 2009, The Collab-Orators has been revolutionizing workforce development by offering affordable, scalable, project-based learning curriculums. Our mission is to forge a pathway of job opportunities and skills for wealth creation within low-income communities. Through innovative educational approaches, we aim to build a sustainable pipeline that empowers individuals to access and thrive in meaningful employment.

 

Our Mission


The Collab-Orators empowers individuals from underserved communities by teaching essential 21st-century skills for success in today's dynamic landscape. We blend hands-on, entrepreneurial learning with cutting-edge advanced manufacturing and rapid prototyping technologies. Our curriculum emphasizes project-based learning, leading to tangible employment opportunities. Leveraging a vast 14,000 sq. ft. workspace, we engage founders from the tech, design, and fabrication sectors to provide real-world training to our apprentices. Participants in our programs not only acquire vital skills for career and entrepreneurial success but also earn $15 per hour while learning. Through our efforts, we aim to equip our community with the tools and opportunities to flourish in the fast-evolving 21st-century marketplace.

““I have come to see that an ecosystem for learning is essential.” ”
— Michele Cahill, program director of urban education at the Carnegie Corporation of New York

What We've Achieved

  • Created ultra-low-cost electronics and robotics program

  • Established pass-down mentorship model from college to high school to middle school students

  • Teach rapid prototyping, CNC routing, metalwork, and wood-working through our unique project-based apprenticeships

  • Advised Obama Administration on Maker Economy

  • Mentor women through Invent-Her Initiative

  • Donated event space, services, and equipment to non-profits such as Legal Aid, Reconnect, & Sankofa Global

  • Provided mentoring and resources to organizations creating low-cost play options for children in refugee camps

  • Co-created New York State Maker Summit

  • Developed a Project-based Welding Initiative to train the next generation of Welders and Metal Fabricators called Welder Underground

Our Board

  • Co-Creator

    Maker Faire

  • Partner

    Collab

  • CEO

    Schoener & Associates

  • President

    Veepio

  • CEO

    Collab

  • Jazz Musician

    Producer