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

Posted on November 3, 2025November 3, 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.

🛠️ 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.

Product Feedback Session

🧰 See what’s being Made @ Monumental Impact!

Join us for a special Product Feedback Session where our student interns will showcase their latest product prototypes and invite your feedback. You’ll also see creative works from other members made using the equipment in our community makerspace — from laser-cut and 3D-printed designs to handcrafted products.

Your insights help shape the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and makers. Come connect, share ideas, and be part of the creative process!

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.

Veterans Small Business Conference (VetCon)

Join Monumental Impact at the 2025 Veterans Small Business Conference, Colorado’s premier event supporting veteran entrepreneurs and small business owners. We’ll have a booth alongside veteran business owner and MITEE community member Dan Spohn of UBI Business Consulting.

Discover resources, connect with local organizations, and explore opportunities for growth, mentorship, and collaboration.

🎟 Use code IMPACT50 for 50% off your ticket when registering on the Veterans Small Business Conference website.

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

Engaging in the Monumental Impact Community

Posted on October 13, 2025October 25, 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. 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.