Interested in gaining hands-on experience while building skills you can use in school, college, a future career, or your own business?
Join us for an Internship Orientation at Monumental Impact to learn about opportunities for high school and college students to get involved in real projects supporting our makerspace, programs, events, and community.
During the orientation, we’ll share how the internship program works, the types of projects and teams interns can participate in, expectations for the upcoming academic-year term, and how to get started.
Academic-Year Internship Term
September 14, 2026 – April 16, 2027
During the school year, we ask interns to commit to a minimum of 3 hours per week. We understand that students are balancing school, extracurricular activities, jobs, and other commitments, so internship schedules can be coordinated around availability and the needs of individual projects.
Opportunities to Get Involved
Depending on your interests, skills, and experience, internship opportunities may include:
Product Development & Delivery – Design, prototype, test, manufacture, and prepare products and projects.
Marketing & Communications – Photography, video, social media, graphic design, websites, and storytelling.
Business & Entrepreneurship – Product planning, research, pricing, sales, and supporting our Made @ Monumental Impact program.
Events Planning & Delivery – Help organize and support community events, workshops, competitions, and outreach activities.
Makerspace Services – Help support equipment, technology, projects, and day-to-day makerspace activities.
You don’t need to arrive knowing exactly what you want to do. The internship is an opportunity to explore interests, develop skills, work alongside mentors and other students, and contribute to projects with real-world outcomes.
Interested in Joining Us?
High school and college students interested in participating during the 2026–2027 academic year are encouraged to attend the Internship Orientation.
Ready to take the next step? Complete our Join Our Community application and indicate your interest in an internship with Monumental Impact. This helps us learn more about your interests, availability, and the types of projects you may want to explore.
Apply through Join Our Community, then come to the Internship Orientation to learn more and begin connecting with our team.
Internships can be…intimidating. You’re taking that first step in your professional career and have no idea what to expect. At Monumental Impact, we try to make our internships fun and welcoming, with plenty of opportunities to grow, learn, and make an impact.
As the season winds down, we decided to sit down with two of our most recent summer interns to connect about their experience.
The First Step
Dana (a rising sophomore at Air Academy High School) was looking for an opportunity to explore her interest in business and marketing when she came across our internship through the Pikes Peak Business and Education Alliance (PPBEA). She came into the experience hoping to gain insight into how a business works along with hands-on experience with its operations.
“I will definitely remember this experience for a while because it was a new and exciting opportunity for me.” – Dana
Kevin (a rising junior electrical and computer engineering major at Baylor University) was also waiting for a chance to gain more experience in his field. He wanted to learn outside of the classroom, and see what it takes to actually develop a viable product. When a friend recommended our summer internship to Kevin, he found it was exactly what he was looking for.
What really drew both of them to Monumental Impact, though, was the option to work with a small, local business in the tech sector that has a real impact on the community they grew up in.
Their Summer Adventure
At the start of the Summer, both Dana and Kevin went into their internships expecting to learn more about tech, business, product management, and marketing. And they did.
Dana had the opportunity to help plan and organize our booths for the July 4th Street Fair and the Smokin’ Showdown & Palmer Paddle in August. She was able to learn more about the events themselves, how to operate a booth, and how to collaborate with others to get projects done.
She worked closely with Jeanette (our Executive Director), and other team members and volunteers to plan, execute, and promote these events. She was also instrumental in implementing our first collection of Made @ Monumental Impact products through an online catalog, which was also kicked off at the Smokin’ Showdown & Palmer Paddle.
While Dana was working to help promote the business externally, Kevin was looking for ways to help current community members inside our organization.
Many of our makers have expressed an interest in using LEDs in their projects but didn’t know how. The PCB (printed circuit board) artwork project, which Kevin worked on, helped change that. Using KiCAD software, he helped develop a modular system that any one of our members can now use and incorporate into their designs.
Working with others in the space, especially Mike, Kevin was able to deepen his technical knowledge while also learning everything that goes into making a product. From ideation to pricing, packaging, and launching. He also found that the selection of 3D printers, laser systems, and more are especially helpful.
Unexpected Growth
While using all the tools and machines and programs was fun, this internship helped them explore other things, too. Like skills they can take and use wherever they go.
Dana and Kevin were able to improve their communication skills and confidence while clearly expressing their ideas to people (some they didn’t even know very well). They also enjoyed collaborating with various people. They stated that this was a fun opportunity to bounce ideas, receive feedback, and see how others work.
“I have learned so much, and worked with so many helpful people.” – Kevin
Another, perhaps unexpected, skill they both gained over the past several months: time management. While they had to meet an ultimate deadline, Dana and Kevin were in charge of setting and taking the steps to get there while ensuring they were on track to reach that final destination.
Saying Goodbye
With the end of Summer and school starting back up, our Summer interns are getting ready to leave. But their time at Monumental Impact has helped prepare them for what’s next.
Dana wanted more exposure to business, management, and marketing. She got that over the Summer, and more. Now, she’s preparing to return to school, her friends, and her clubs. Her experience has only cemented her interest in business, working with people, and volunteering. She’ll continue to focus on school, learning, and helping out at her local library.
Kevin came in hoping to gain real-world experience with product management and entrepreneurship. Over the last several months, he was able to see firsthand everything a small business has to go through to create and sell products. Now, he’s returning to Baylor and hopes to put the skills he gained over the Summer to good use in upcoming classes. He also hopes to leverage the experience as he prepares for a future in the biomedical sector.
When asked if they’d recommend Monumental Impact to friends, family, or anyone else, they responded with a resounding “yes.”
Interested in applying for an internship, becoming a member, or volunteering with us? Let’s connect.
Corey’s first introduction to Monumental Impact was at our booth at a July 4th event four years ago, and when we, in collaboration with D38’s Bearbotics, reached out to his school, Bear Creek Elementary School, to start a FLL (FIRST LEGO League) team. Though he couldn’t join the makerspace quite yet — he was too young at the time — Monumental Impact was in the back of his mind as he grew older. Until eventually, he was able to join our robotics program when he entered high school.
Now, Corey serves as the FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) Captain of the Bionic Sharks. He manages the team along with organizing events, outreach initiatives, and, of course, building and programming robots for FTC competitions.
LEGO and Python and Java…
Corey’s first introduction to robotics was his elementary school’s FLL program. He got his first taste of what competitive robotics was all about. Corey and his team even won a qualifier, which gave them a Golden Ticket to the State Championship! From then on, he was hooked.
You might be asking yourself, “What is competitive robotics?” Put simply, teams work together to build a robot to do certain gamified tasks and present their journey. The task that needs to be accomplished depends on the competition and season — it’s always changing, which is part of the fun!
“I like seeing progress building up and working through obstacles to get everything together.”
Throughout elementary, middle, and now high school, Corey has gained more experience in building and programming. In 6th grade, he learned Python and began exploring other programming languages. He’s now going into his 3rd year competing in the FTC program. The reason he’s stuck with competitive robotics and programming for so long? He enjoys driving the robots he’s helped create and seeing how things work.
Competing with Monumental Impact
While competing with Monumental Impact’s team in the FTC wasn’t his first foray into competitive robotics, Corey has learned more about what goes into building a robot, leading a team, and programming (specifically JAVA) during his time here.
With access to the tools in our makerspace, along with mentors to help guide him and the team, Corey was more easily able to build the competitive robot he and the team wanted to. His favorite project so far involves Sharkbyte, a robot he helped develop that made it to the Colorado State FTC Championship last year (it even went undefeated against several opponents)!
Corey is also involved in a new competition the Monumental Impact community is launching with others in the Colorado Frontage called the Open Robotics Competition (ORC). He sees this new game and robot format as a great learning opportunity — for himself and his new recruits to the Bionic Sharks.
Beyond robotics, Corey is also learning key skills for his future: leadership, management, communication, planning and organizing, even fundraising! Through his efforts, Corey makes sure his team is the best it can be. He hopes that more people join the program and experience everything competitive robotics, and Monumental Impact, has to offer. Because it’s not just about developing cool technology, it’s an opportunity to grow as a person.
“It is not just building the robots and competing, it includes many skills like working with a team and creating something that is functionally [competitive].”
To the future
Ultimately, Corey is striving towards a future in computer science. He hopes to keep working in robotics and learn more about how artificial intelligence can improve his builds. He also hopes to get more of the younger generations interested in STEM and competitive robotics. More importantly, it’s FUN. As Corey so aptly put it: “Having a hobby and taking some time where you can do your own thing and not stress about life is very important.”
To that end, Corey is preparing for the next FTC season, BioBuzz, with its Game Reveal in early September. He’s currently leading fundraising and recruitment efforts to help keep the team going. This includes planning scrimmages and demonstrations with other teams.
If this sounds like something you might be interested in, Corey is also helping out at our booth at that same July 4th event he found Monumental Impact at all those years ago. You’ll be able to see a demonstration with a robot and learn more about FTC, ORC, and Monumental Impact.
Get ready for an action-packed weekend of innovation, teamwork, and high-energy robotics competition at the FIRST® Pikes Peak Regional!
Join us at Coronado High School for a FREE, family-friendly event celebrating the excitement of STEM and student innovation.
🤖 The Main Event: FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)
The highlight of the weekend is the Pikes Peak Regional FIRST Robotics Competition, where 30+ high school teams will compete in thrilling head-to-head matches for a chance to advance to the World Championship. This event runs Saturday and Sunday.
These student-designed robots represent engineering, coding, problem-solving, and teamwork since their Game Reveal on January 10th — and now they take the field in a high-energy arena atmosphere you have to see to believe.
⚙️ Saturday FIRST Robotics Showcases & Interactive Demos
FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Demo
🕙 Saturday | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Watch younger students showcase their innovation and teamwork through interactive LEGO robotics demonstrations.
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Demo Matches
🕛 Saturday | 11:30am – 1:30pm Four local middle school & high school FTC teams will host demo matches — and attendees will have opportunities to drive robots before and after the demonstrations!
Participating teams include:
Team 11308 – YISE
Team 11561 – The Headless Horsemen
Team 19541 – Bionic Sharks
Team 30557 – Electric Eagles
ℹ️ Interested in Starting a Team?
From 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, Colorado FIRST representatives and student team members will be available to answer questions and provide information about starting a FIRST team in your school or community.
Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, mentor, or sponsor — this is your opportunity to get involved in a program that builds confidence, technical skills, and leadership.
🤝 Volunteers Needed
Want to be part of the action? Volunteers are still needed to help make this incredible event possible. Join us behind the scenes and support the next generation of innovators.
🎉 Why Attend?
Free admission
Family-friendly environment
Live robot competitions
Meet local STEM teams
Learn how to get involved
Come experience the energy, creativity, and inspiration that define FIRST Robotics in the Pikes Peak Region.
Our Bionic Sharks (FTC Team #19541) will be competing at the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Colorado FTC State Championship in Golden at the Colorado School of Mines campus!
***Due to weather conditions this event was rescheduled for Saturday, February 7th.***
Our Bionic Sharks (FTC Team #19541) will be competing at the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Southern Qualifier in Manitou Springs! Check out their flyer to invite you to their pit area at the event to ask questions.
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.
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
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.Testing in progress — Mike evaluates his RIVAL Robotics League bot unloading DOOMSDAY game elements during a scrimmage at the Colorado School of Mines.Mike and members of the Combat Robotics Club meet to discuss build techniques and robot design strategies in preparation for upcoming competitions.Mike leads a discussion with members of FTC Team 19541 – the Bionic Sharks – reviewing robot design concepts and game strategy during a build session at Monumental Impact.Hands-on learning in action! Mike works alongside the Bionic Sharks team as they test drive components and troubleshoot mechanisms.Having fun talking robots with the Bionic Sharks team.Mike demonstrates live 3D printing during a Maker Moments: 3D Creations & Curiosity session at Silver Key’s Tri-Lakes Activity Center, inspiring others to explore creativity at any age.Mike readies his Plastic Antweight bot, “Pain in the Bot,” before a match — a great example of precision design and the excitement of combat robotics.In the arena — Mike competes with his Plastic Antweight bot at the Golden Tech Tussle, held at the Colorado School of Mines’ Labriola Makerspace & Innovation Space.A lifetime of creativity and curiosity — Mike stands proudly with his lineup of combat robots, embodying the joy and lifelong learning that drive his work.
