2025 FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Qualifier: SW Metro

Our Bionic Sharks (FTC Team #19541) will be competing at the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) SW Metro Qualifier in Littleton!

The event details will be posted here: https://ftc-events.firstinspires.org/2025/USCOLIQ

Below is a tentative schedule. There are over 20 teams at this event thus times will vary.

7:30 am Pits open, Team registration opens
8:00 am Inspection Starts
8:00 am Judging sessions begin
11:15 am Qualification matches start
12:15 pm Lunch
1:00 pm Qualification matches resume
3:30 pm Alliance Selections (estimated time)
4:30-6:30 pm Playoff matches and Awards (estimated time)
6:45 pm (or at the conclusion of Awards/Playoffs) Pits Close & Event ends (estimated time)

MITEE stands for Monumental Impact for Technology, Engineering and Entrepreneurship.

Subscribe to our Community Newsletter to receive information as we get closer to event day.

Mentoring Workshop: 3D Design & Printing

From idea to 3D-printed object—with mentoring every step of the way

Host: Community Mentor, Mike Hinkle

Overview

Ready to turn a napkin sketch—or a “one day I’d love to make this” idea—into something you can hold? This workshop focuses on practical 3D design for 3D printing with step-by-step guidance from maker and mentor Mike Hinkle.

Mike will demonstrate 3D design using TinkerCAD, a friendly browser-based tool perfect for beginners. Participants are welcome to use any design software they prefer, including Fusion 360 or FreeCAD.

These sessions are open to both Monumental Impact members and curious neighbors in the Tri-Lakes community. If you’d simply like to observe and learn, you’re welcome to attend for free. If you’d prefer to create a design and take home a printed project, bring any needed materials and contribute at least $20 to help maintain our printers and workspace.

What We’ll Do

Introduce foundational concepts of 3D design and 3D printing
Walk through a simple TinkerCAD design
Create ornament or small object designs as a shared example
Assist participants with personal or gift projects
Review print settings, materials, and how to prepare reliable prints

As a group, we’ll create one or two small shared designs during the workshop and, when possible, complete a print. These community-made items may be added to our Entrepreneurship Program members’ product lines, or they can be a participant’s take-home piece, depending on the design and the group’s goals.

Who Should Attend

Monumental Impact members eager to improve 3D design and print skills
Tri-Lakes community members curious about 3D printing and our makerspace
Beginners with no design experience
Makers with early-stage projects who want guidance

What to Bring

A laptop (recommended) for TinkerCAD or your preferred design tool
Any project or gift ideas you’re exploring
Optional: reference photos or sketches of something you want to recreate

Workshop Series

This workshop is part of a four-week mentoring series leading into winter break. Each session offers hands-on learning and time to develop your skills and your project.

About the Mentor – Mike Hinkle

Mike is a long-time maker, robotics mentor, and thoughtful guide in our community. He excels at helping participants translate ideas into practical, printable designs that work in the real world.

Space is limited to keep the mentoring hands-on and personal.

Mentoring Workshop: Laser Engraving & Cutting

Hands-on laser projects for gifts, signs, and entrepreneurial ideas

Host: Community Mentor, Mike Hinkle

Overview

Curious what our laser can really do? This mentoring workshop offers a guided, hands-on introduction to laser engraving and cutting through real project work that’s approachable for beginners and still interesting for seasoned tinkerers.

Mike will walk the group through engraving a starter item and then designing and cutting a simple project. If you’re thinking about custom gifts, ornaments, signs, or labels for the holidays, this is a great chance to test your ideas with support and encouragement.

These workshops are open to Monumental Impact members and to Tri-Lakes community members who want to explore what our makerspace offers. If you simply want to observe and learn, the session is free. If you’d like to make a project you can take home, bring your material and make a minimum $20 contribution to help maintain our equipment and space.

What We’ll Do

Cover the basics of using the laser engraver safely and effectively
Engrave a starter item together as a group
Design and cut a simple laser project
Explore ideas for personal or gift projects you’d like to try
Discuss file types, materials, and settings for successful laser work

As a group, we’ll complete one or two simple laser projects during the workshop. These finished pieces may be used by our Entrepreneurship Program members to support their product offerings, or they can be a personal take-home project for the participant who contributed—depending on the nature of the item and the group’s goals that session.

Who Should Attend

Current Monumental Impact members looking to build laser skills
Tri-Lakes community members curious about our makerspace
Makers, small business owners, parents, students, and retirees
No prior experience needed

What to Bring

Any gift or project ideas you want to explore
A notebook or laptop for notes and design tweaks
Optional: a small item you’re curious about engraving (we’ll confirm if it’s laser-safe)

Workshop Series

This session is the first of four weekly workshops leading up to winter break. Each week builds on hands-on practice, but you’re welcome to attend even if you can’t make every session.

About the Mentor – Mike Hinkle

Mike is one of Monumental Impact’s most active community makers and mentors, with deep experience in robotics, fabrication, and practical problem solving. He’s known for helping people turn “I’ve never tried this before…” into “Look what I made!”

Space is limited to keep the mentoring hands-on and personal.

Maker Spotlight: Mike Hinkle – A Lifetime of Creativity and Curiosity

Posted on November 3, 2025November 18, 2025 by admin

Maker Spotlight: Mike Hinkle – A Lifetime of Creativity and Curiosity

Our community shines because of makers like Mike Hinkle — a mentor and lifelong learner whose creativity and curiosity continue to spark innovation at Monumental Impact.

Mike recently wrapped up an incredibly busy build cycle, preparing robots across three combat robotics weight classes — Beetleweight, Plastic Antweight, and Fairyweight — along with a robot for the RIVAL Robotics League. His workshop has been alive with the hum of tools, the buzz of testing, and the spark of innovation as he balances design, fabrication, and mentorship.

Since August, Mike has been guiding four new combat roboticists through our Combat Robotics Starter Program, helping them bring their custom robot designs to life. Under his mentorship, these students have learned how to design, build, and test their creations — skills they’ll put to the test when they compete at our 5th Annual MITEE Gobble Squabble on Saturday, November 22nd at UCCS.

Mike also mentors our FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Team 19541 – the Bionic Sharks, teaching mechanical fundamentals, game strategy, and build planning. He brings a thoughtful balance of experience and encouragement, helping students grow their technical skills while fostering teamwork and creativity.

Beyond the makerspace, Mike extends his love for discovery to the broader community through Maker Moments: Creativity & Curiosity, a hands-on session he leads at Silver Key’s Tri-Lakes Activity Center. Through these sessions, he helps people of all ages reconnect with the joy of making — reminding us that creativity is one of life’s most joyful experiences. It’s something we can discover, rediscover, and celebrate throughout our lives.

Mike’s story as a maker stretches back many years, including his early work with Techno Chaos, where he helped families and students explore technology and creativity together. You can learn more about his journey at techno-chaos.com/about-us/mike-hinkle.

Mike embodies the spirit of Monumental Impact: lifelong learning, mentorship, and the power of creativity to connect people. Whether guiding a student team, mentoring new roboticists, or leading community workshops, he reminds us that making isn’t just about the final product — it’s about the curiosity, collaboration, and confidence we gain along the way.

Final touches! Mike prepares his RIVAL Robotics League bot at the Colorado School of Mines scrimmage.

Volunteer for the 5th Annual Gobble Squabble!

Posted on October 27, 2025November 20, 2025 by Jeanette Breton

🦃 Volunteer for the 5th Annual Gobble Squabble!

What: The MITEE Gobble Squabble
When: Saturday, November 22nd, 2025
Where: Berger Hall, UCCS
Hosted by: Monumental Impact & University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)

Ready to Volunteer? Scan or Click

If you are having problems volunteering through the link above, you can also volunteer through the steps provided in the following link.

The Gobble Squabble returns for its 5th year — a day that celebrates innovation, competition, and community collaboration! This event brings together makers, students, and enthusiasts for three exciting experiences under one roof:

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Scrimmage – Student robotics teams test and refine their designs before the competition season.
Combat Robotics: “Robot Chaos” – Builders battle it out with custom combat robots.
Robotics & Technology EXPO (*NEW)– Exhibits from UCCS clubs and area organizations showcasing technology, engineering and robotics projects.

Everything is powered by volunteers, and we’d love to have you on the team! No worries if this is your first time at such an event. Let us know and we will help you get up to speed!

🛠️ Event-Wide Volunteer Roles

A few key positions help keep everything running across all Gobble Squabble programs:

Volunteer Check-In – Greet and register volunteers.
Pit Administration / Team Check-In – Welcome teams and get them settled.
Emcee – Keep the crowd engaged and informed.
Event Photographer & Media – Capture memorable moments throughout the day. If not able to do the full day, we have split this with two volunteers into a morning and afternoon.
Safety Attendant – Oversee pit and competition safety, especially with attendees wanting to get close to the action or into the pit area.
Accommodations Coordinator – help with food area, accessibility and quiet spaces.
Assign Me As Needed – Flexible volunteers ready to help wherever needed most!
Field Setup / Takedown Crew – Assemble and / or disassemble the FTC and Combat Robotics fields. [Field setup is scheduled to occur between 4pm to 6pm on Friday.]
Load-In / Load-Out Crew – Transport and get field / team components into Berger Hall in the morning and out of Berger Hall in the late afternoon. Volunteers can ask to help either in the morning or afternoon.

🤖 FTC Scrimmage Volunteer Opportunities

Support high school / middle school student robotics teams as they prepare for competition season!
Roles include:

Roles primarily in the morning:

Mock Judging Coordinator & Judges – Conduct practice interviews to prepare students for judging on their presentation and portfolio. [Mock Judging Panels are scheduled to occur between 8:30am to 10:30.]
Inspectors – Verify robot safety and compliance for teams to participate in the scrimmage matches. [Inspectors are typically active between 8am to 11am.]
Control System Advisor / FIRST Technical Advisor – help teams with their robot communications on and off the field.

Roles that start around 10:30am after inspections and mock judging are completed:

Referees & Scorekeepers – Learn the FTC DECODE game and play a crucial role in the match play action for the scrimmage. [Referees & Scorekeepers are typically active between 10:30am to 3pm.]
Game Announcer – Keep the crowd engaged and informed.
Lead Queuer / Queuers – Keep scrimmage matches on schedule and teams moving smoothly.
Field Resetter / Field Supervisor – Reset and maintain match fields.

🎓 Training is provided by FIRST for FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) — no experience needed! Some roles are half-day.
Sign up through the QR code on this page or click the QR code. For question reach out to enable@monumentalimpact.org.

⚙️ Combat Robotics: “Robot Chaos” Volunteer Opportunities

Help run the thrilling Robot Chaos combat robotics competition — where custom-built bots face off in the arena!

Field / Match Supervisor – Manage match flow and arena safety. Also does the inspections of robots.
Judges – Score matches and ensure fair play.
Scorekeeper – Track match results using Challonge software.
Game Announcer – Provide live commentary during matches.

This year’s focus will feature Plastic Antweight and Fairyweight divisions — perfect for new and experienced builders alike of all ages.

🎨 Robotics & Technology EXPO – Exhibitor & Volunteer Opportunities

In addition to the robotics action, Gobble Squabble will feature an EXPO highlighting other robotics & technology projects from UCCS clubs and community organizations. We’re looking for volunteers to help with:

Expo Setup & Logistics – Assist exhibitors with setup and table placement.
Expo Coordination – Welcome exhibitors and help manage attendee flow.

If your organization or club would like to host an exhibit, please contact enable@monumentalimpact.org for participation details.

💡 Be Part of the Action

The Gobble Squabble is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and community innovation — and it couldn’t happen without volunteers like you!

📩 Interested in volunteering or exhibiting?
Email enable@monumentalimpact.org or sign up online through
FIRSTinspires.org → Event Volunteering → Gobble Squabble FTC Scrimmage

OR Scan the QR Code:

Your time, skills, and enthusiasm make this annual event possible. Join us to inspire the next generation of makers and innovators!

If you know others that would like to connect with the robotics & technology community at the MITEE Gobble Squabble, please feel free to share our flyer or our website.

🛠️ Maker Spotlight: Lukas – Designing, Prototyping, and Bringing Products to Life

Posted on October 25, 2025November 3, 2025 by Jeanette Breton

🛠️ Maker Spotlight: Lukas – Designing, Prototyping, and Bringing Products to Life

This fall, Lukas joined Monumental Impact as an intern on our Product Development & Delivery (PDD) Team, diving deep into the process of taking a design from concept to creation.

A senior in high school, Lukas is using this internship to explore his next steps — discovering how his interests in technology, design, and creativity might shape his future path.

He first connected with Monumental Impact through a Fusion 360 design class we offered in collaboration with the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) at their Library 21C makerspace. His curiosity, creative mindset, and growing passion for digital design stood out immediately — and he’s continued to build on that momentum ever since.

As part of his internship, Lukas is developing and refining product prototypes that will be featured in Monumental Impact’s new Etsy store this holiday season. His work includes designing with various CAD tools such as Fusion 360, TinkerCAD, and Blender, testing prototypes with mentors and community members, and preparing final samples for production using tools like 3D printers, CNC machines, and laser engravers.

This Saturday, October 25th, Lukas had the opportunity to gather community feedback on his product design during a Product Feedback Session held at Silver Key’s Thrift Store located in Palmer Lake. Thank you to their patrons for taking the time to share thoughtful insights and ideas with Lukas — helping him refine his design before moving forward with final production.

He’s also contributing to the marketing and fulfillment side, learning how to turn creative designs into real-world products that reach customers. Through this process, Lukas is gaining valuable experience in design thinking, iterative development, and entrepreneurship.

Lukas brings a strong “no job too small” attitude and a thoughtful approach to problem-solving. He’s learning not just how to make — but how to deliver: how to take an idea, design it, produce it, and connect it with people.

We’re proud to see Lukas growing his skills and contributing to our community of makers, mentors, and innovators. His work represents the creative energy that fuels Monumental Impact’s mission: connecting students, entrepreneurs, and professionals through hands-on experience and real-world projects.

Interested in Interning with Monumental Impact?

We’re always looking for high school and college students who want to explore digital design to fabrication, product development, or delivering services and products to real customers.

With the making and gift giving season in full swing, now’s a great time to get involved — whether you’re interested in design, marketing, engineering, or entrepreneurship.

👉 Learn more or apply to join our internship program.

About Monumental Impact

Monumental Impact is a registered 501(c)(3) Colorado nonprofit serving high school students through adults as a community makerspace. Monumental Impact is also referred to as MITEE, (Monumental Impact for Technology, Engineering and Entrepreneurship) connecting youth and community members with career pathways in technology, engineering, and entrepreneurship. We provide programs, equipment, mentorship, workspace, and real-world opportunities that empower people to explore, create, and compete.

Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a part of and engaging in Monumental Impact’s community can visit a recent article, Engaging in the Monumental Impact Community.

Intro to FreeCAD

Discover the world of parametric 3D design with FreeCAD, a free and open-source modeling tool for engineers, designers, and makers.

In this one-hour introductory session, you’ll learn the basics of navigating FreeCAD’s interface, creating and modifying 3D parts, and understanding how parametric design enables easy revisions and precision modeling.

Whether you’re preparing a part for 3D printing, designing mechanical components, or exploring digital design tools, this session will give you a solid starting point for your next project.

No prior experience required — just bring your curiosity and laptop (optional).

About Monumental Impact
Monumental Impact is a registered 501(c)(3) Colorado nonprofit serving high school students through adults as a community makerspace. Monumental Impact is also referred to as MITEE, (Monumental Impact for Technology, Engineering and Entrepreneurship) connecting youth and community members with career pathways in technology, engineering, and entrepreneurship. We provide programs, equipment, mentorship, workspace, and real-world opportunities that empower people to explore, create, and compete.

Subscribe to our Newsletter to receive updates and information on happenings in our community.

MONUMENTAL IMPACT RECEIVES GRANT FROM BLACK HILLS ENERGY

Posted on October 17, 2025October 25, 2025 by Jeanette Breton

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MONUMENTAL IMPACT RECEIVES GRANT FROM BLACK HILLS ENERGY

Money to fund a variety of ongoing programs.

Monument, CO — October 8, 2025 —
Monumental Impact has announced the awarding of a $1,750.00 USD grant from Black Hills Energy. The funds will be used for a variety of popular programs that members take part in as they build teams to tackle various challenges in the areas of science, technology and engineering. These programs include competition teams, work-based learning, entrepreneurship, makerspace and community services.

Monumental Impact is a nonprofit that connects youth and community members with career pathways in technology, engineering, and entrepreneurship. We provide programs, equipment, mentorship, workspace, and real-world opportunities that empower people to explore, create, and compete.

“What sets us apart is that we don’t simulate the workplace—we are the workplace.” said Jeanette Breton, Executive Director of Monumental Impact.

Membership in Monumental Impact includes more than students and mentors. Adult professional makers, current entrepreneurs and retired industry experts are also active MITEE members. They engage shoulder-to-shoulder with learners, sharing real-world insights, sparking creativity, and inspiring next-gen innovators.

“Being involved in community programs like Monumental Impact and helping the next generation of innovators and leaders emerge is part of Black Hills Energy’s mission,” said, Tom Henley, Senior Manager of Public Affairs at Black Hills Energy.

About Black Hills Energy

Black Hills Energy, a subsidiary of Black Hills Corp, has a long history supplying gas and electric utilities to 1.35 million customers in eight states including Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.

Visit www.blackhillsenergy.com for more information.

About Monumental Impact

Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a part of Monumental Impact can visit www.monumentalimpact.org

Media Contacts

Monumental Impact Black Hills Energy

Name: Jeanette Breton                                               Name: Tom Henley
Title: Executive Director                                           Title: Senior Manager of Public Affairs
Email: Jeanette@monumentalimpact.org                 Email: Tom.Henley@blackhillsenergy.com
Phone: 719-387-7414                                                Phone: 720-333-1844
Website: www.monumentalimpact.org                    Website: www.blackhillsenergy.com

Engaging in the Monumental Impact Community

Posted on October 13, 2025November 14, 2025 by Jeanette Breton

Engaging in the Monumental Impact Community

At Monumental Impact, we believe in empowering individuals to make, create, and connect through hands-on experiences that build confidence, careers, and community.
Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, mentor, or lifelong maker, there’s a place for you in our growing ecosystem of creators, innovators, and collaborators.

🔹 Join a Member Program

Our Member Programs are the heart of how people engage at Monumental Impact. Each program connects learning, creativity, and community impact in a different way:

Entrepreneurship — Turn your ideas into real products or ventures. Use our makerspace to prototype, batch-produce, and test your creations, with access to community feedback and guidance from mentors and interns.
Competition Programs — Participate in team-based and/or individual robotics, engineering, or innovation challenges. Our mentors and volunteers support you with equipment, build techniques, teamwork, and safety.
Personal Projects — Use our workspace, tools, and training to explore your interests, build new skills, and bring your ideas to life.

🔹 Support as a Mentor, Volunteer, or Intern

You don’t have to be building something to make an impact — you can help others build their confidence and skills.

Mentors share their professional experience to guide teams, students, and entrepreneurs.
Volunteers lend their time during workshops, competitions, or community events.
Interns contribute through meaningful projects that strengthen our programs and community connections.

Each role helps expand the reach and sustainability of our mission.

🔹 Engage Through Leadership or Coordination

Our programs thrive through dedicated community members who help connect people and opportunities.

Community Member Liaison volunteers welcome new members and guide them toward the best way to engage.
Program Leads and Coaches support Competition and Entrepreneurship initiatives.
Marketing & Communications contributors help share our stories and inspire others to get involved.

If you’re looking to take a leadership role, we’ll help you find the right fit.

🔹 Access the Makerspace

Our community makerspace in Palmer Lake is open to members of all ages and experience levels of high school students, college students, adults and seniors. Whether you’re tinkering, fabricating, or just exploring your creativity, you’ll find equipment, training, and a supportive network of peers and mentors.
You can also take part in themed workshops — from Artistic 3D Printing and Mechanical Puzzle Design to Cosplay & Prop Fabrication — to expand your skills and meet others who love to make.

🔹 Partner and Collaborate

We’re actively seeking industry partners who want to help shape the next generation of creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

By partnering with Monumental Impact, businesses can:

Provide real-world context for students and adult members through project-based challenges, guest talks, and facility tours.
Share industry insights that inspire entrepreneurship and inform career pathways.
Collaborate on career readiness experiences that connect hands-on making with practical workplace skills.
Engage with our community makerspace to explore innovation, prototyping, and local talent development.

We also work closely with industry, Tri-Lakes Chamber, Pikes Peak Business & Education Alliance (PPBEA), colleges, schools and economic development partners to align these efforts and strengthen our region’s innovation ecosystem.
Parents, educators, and professionals all play a part in creating opportunities for our members to learn, build, and grow.

🌟 Why It Matters

Every connection strengthens our mission — to provide the resources, mentorship, and space needed to turn curiosity into capability.
When you engage with Monumental Impact, you’re not just joining a makerspace — you’re helping build a future-ready community where creativity and collaboration lead to real-world confidence.

Ready to Get Involved and Start Your Journey Today? 👉

Or email enable@monumentalimpact.org.

Monumental Impact Designated as an Enterprise Zone Contribution Project to Expand Entrepreneurship and Career Readiness in the Tri-Lakes Region

Posted on October 10, 2025October 25, 2025 by Jeanette Breton

Monumental Impact Designated as an Enterprise Zone Contribution Project to Expand Entrepreneurship and Career Readiness in the Tri-Lakes Region

Palmer Lake, CO — Monumental Impact, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering high school students, college students, and adults in technology, engineering, and entrepreneurship, has been officially approved as an Enterprise Zone Contribution Project in El Paso County.

This designation recognizes Monumental Impact’s role in driving regional workforce and business development through its Entrepreneurship and Career Readiness Programs — programs that equip participants with hands-on experience, mentorship, and real-world problem-solving skills in a collaborative makerspace environment.

“Our community makerspace is where innovation happens,” said Jeanette Breton, Executive Director of Monumental Impact. “It’s a place where students, professionals, and entrepreneurs come together to design, prototype, and launch ideas that strengthen our local economy and create new opportunities.”

Through these programs, participants gain access to advanced fabrication tools — including 3D printers, CNC machines, and laser engravers — as well as professional mentors and business incubation support. Monumental Impact’s hands-on learning model not only builds technical and entrepreneurial capacity but also fosters self-confidence, collaboration, and life-long learning.

As an approved Enterprise Zone Contribution Project, individuals and businesses who contribute to Monumental Impact may receive Colorado state income tax credits for qualifying donations. These contributions directly support the nonprofit’s mission to expand career-connected learning, small business incubation, and innovation pathways within the Tri-Lakes Enterprise Zone.

“Being part of the Enterprise Zone program allows our donors to multiply their impact,” Breton added. “Every contribution fuels opportunities for the next generation of makers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.”

🗣️ Community Voices on Monumental Impact’s Enterprise Zone Designation

Town of Palmer Lake

“Monumental Impact’s makerspace and mentorship programs prepare youth and adults for career pathways and serve as a launchpad for new and growing businesses in our region.”

Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce

“A unique and powerful contributor to our economic ecosystem, Monumental Impact is preparing the next generation of innovators and small business owners.”

Pikes Peak Business & Education Alliance (PPBEA)

“Monumental Impact’s makerspace creates a dynamic hub where learners engage directly with industry professionals and community volunteers.”

To learn more about the Enterprise Zone program and how to make a qualifying contribution, visit:
🔗 https://monumentalimpact.org/monumental-impact-approved-as-an-enterprise-zone-contribution-project/

To contact us you can email enable@monumentalimpact.org or call us at 719-387-7414.