Build skills. Build your City. Build your future.
Hands-on training for tomorrow’s innovators.

Learn advanced manufacturing, digital design, and problem-solving
through hands-on projects that make a real impact in your community.

Maker Cities is an NSF-funded initiative led by Moonlighter FabLab to expand access to opportunities in advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies. Each year, 20 participants join a 6-month, studio-based course that combines:

  • Advanced Manufacturing Certifications – Learn CAD/CAM, 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC milling.
  • Design Thinking – Learn to solve complex challenges with human-centered methods.
  • Entrepreneurship Training – Learn how to build sustainable business models and communicate your ideas.
  • Civic Placemaking Project – Learn how to collaborate with peers and industry mentors to design and install a real project on Miami Beach’s historic Lincoln Road.

Participants receive $5,000 stipends, materials & supplies, a year-long FabLab residency, and five years of discounted membership to continue growing their skills and ventures.

APPLY NOW

Why Apply?

  • No STEM degree required – This program is designed for adult learners from non-STEM or limited STEM backgrounds.
  • Earn certifications in digital fabrication and design software.
  • Portfolio-ready experience – Your work will be built, exhibited, and seen by thousands in the community.
  • Mentorship & Networking – Gain access to STEM industry leaders, city officials, and entrepreneurs.
  • Career pathways – Prepare for jobs in advanced manufacturing, design, engineering – or launch your own venture.

Program Benefits

✅ $5,000 Stipend intended to help remove barriers to participation.
✅ Free Year-Long Residency at Moonlighter FabLab with access to state-of-the-art tools & equipment.
✅ Loaner laptops + software licenses if needed.
✅ Mentorship from industry professionals
✅ Professional development support – Headshots, Letters of recommendation, Certification, CV guidance.
✅ Portfolio Be a part of a Real-World Project that can add to your work experience.

Who Should Apply?

We’re seeking Miami-area adults (18+) who:

– Have limited or no prior STEM education (No degree required!)
– Are curious, creative, and eager to learn hands-on skills.
– Want to explore careers in advanced manufacturing, design, or entrepreneurship.
– Are motivated to contribute to a community-driven civic project.

APPLY NOW!

Program Details

  • Applications Due: November 4th at 11:59pm
  • Early applications Due: October 21 at 11:59pm
  • Early Application Interviews: November 2nd – 6th
  • Application Interviews: November 16-20th
  • Early Applicant Announcements: November 16-20th
  • Waitlist & Applicant Announcements: Dec 7 – 11th
  • Cohort 1 Start: January 12, 2027
  • Cohort 1 End: June 03, 2027
  • Project Installation Weeks: June 7th – June 25th
  • Final Exhibition: July 2027
  • Format: In-Person
  • Program Schedule: 
    Tuesdays (Course): 4:30–6:30 PM
    Thursdays (Lab): 4:30–6:30 PM
  • Location: 
    Moonlighter FabLab
    1661 Pennsylvania Avenue
    Miami Beach, Fl. 33139

Now Accepting Applications: Apply Now!

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Information Sessions

Register for our virtual webinars to learn more about the program and submit your questions via live Q&A.

Webinar 1: Wednesday Sept 16th 12-1pm

Registration has ended.

Webinar 2: Wednesday Sept 30th 4:30pm-5:30pm

Registration has ended.

Webinar 3: Wednesday Oct 14th 12-1pm

Register
Read About the Cohort 1 Project Installation : DECO PORTALS

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No. ITE 2526134
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. National Science Foundation.