Tag Archives: Technology

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

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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.

Volunteer for the 5th Annual Gobble Squabble!

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🦃 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
Volunteer Now

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!

🤖 FTC Scrimmage Volunteer Opportunities

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

  • Volunteer Check-In – Greet and register volunteers.
  • Pit Administration / Team Check-In – Welcome teams and get them settled.
  • Mock Judging Coordinator & Judges – Conduct practice interviews to prepare students for judging on their presentation and portfolio.
  • Inspectors – Verify robot safety and compliance for teams to participate in the scrimmage matches.
  • Referees & Scorekeepers – Learn the FTC DECODE game and play a crucial role in the match play action for the scrimmage.
  • Control System Advisor / FIRST Technical Advisor – help teams with their robot communications on and off the field.
  • Lead Queuer / Queuers – Keep scrimmage matches on schedule and teams moving smoothly.
  • Field Resetter / Field Supervisor – Reset and maintain match fields.
  • Game Announcer – Keep the crowd engaged and informed.
  • Event Photographer – Capture memorable moments throughout the day.
  • Field Setup / Takedown Crew – Assemble and / or disassemble the FTC field.
  • Load-In / Load-Out Crew – Transport and get field / team components into and out of Berger Hall.

🎓 Training is provided — 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.
  • Judges – Score matches and ensure fair play.
  • Scorekeeper – Track match results using Challonge software.
  • Game Announcer – Provide live commentary during matches.
  • Field Setup / Takedown Crew – Assemble and disassemble the combat arena.
  • Load-In / Load-Out Crew – Transport and position arena components.
  • Safety Attendant – Oversee pit and competition safety.

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.
  • Photography & Media – Capture highlights from the Expo floor.

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

🛠️ Event-Wide Volunteer Roles

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

  • Emcee – Keep the crowd engaged and informed.
  • Safety Attendant – Oversee pit and competition safety.
  • Accommodations Coordinator – help with food area, accessibility and quiet spaces.
  • Assign Me As Needed – Flexible volunteers ready to help wherever needed most!

💡 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:
Volunteer Now

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

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🛠️ 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.

MONUMENTAL IMPACT RECEIVES GRANT FROM BLACK HILLS ENERGY

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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

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 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

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

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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.

Crafting the Ultimate Halloween Look: Join Gino DePolo’s Design Kickoff

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Crafting the Ultimate Halloween Look: Join Gino DePolo’s Design Kickoff

This Thursday, September 18th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Monumental Impact is proud to launch its first Maker Spotlight — a new series designed to showcase inspiring creators and ignite hands-on learning in our community.

Leading this inaugural session is Gino DePolo, a maker,  cosplayer, and costume artist whose work transforms imagination into reality. From detailed Wolverine armor to glowing Iron Doom suits and mystic Moon Knight robes, Gino creates high-impact, cinematic looks — and shares with thousands across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. He is offering this Kickoff and a Workshop Series for others to explore digital design, fabrication and cosplay craftsmanship together in our community makerspace.

This week’s kickoff session is not just about showing off. It’s about sharing tips, tricks, and techniques — and collaborating with participants to shape a workshop series that will run on Thursdays from September through October. Whether you’re into cosplay, digital design, or just curious about building something awesome for Halloween, this is the place to start with an expert craftsman.

Wolverine build featuring a 3D-printed metallic finished claws by Gino DePolo.

🔧 What to Expect This Thursday

Iron Doom armor build featuring a 3D-printed core and metallic finishing by Gino DePolo.
  • Meet Gino DePolo, see his cosplay creations up close, and learn how he builds them
  • Explore costume-making techniques including design, fabrication, painting, and finishing
  • Share your ideas to help shape the upcoming Thursday workshop series
  • Ask questions, get inspired, and connect with like-minded makers

This is a hands-on, collaborative, and idea-filled session to kick off our fall creative member series — and this Thursday’s Kickoff is open to guests and members alike.

🎭 Gino DePolo’s Creative Builds

Gino’s work merges design, tech, and artistry to bring beloved characters to life:

  • Wolverine – Battle-worn armor with realistic claw integration
  • Iron Doom – Custom chestplate with glowing core and metallic finish
  • Moon Knight – Textured robes, lighting elements, and mystic detailing
  • U.S. Agent – Bold design, finished surfaces, and screen-worthy build quality

These creations don’t just look great — they showcase the kind of skills and techniques Gino will share in future workshops.

Moon Knight cosplay featuring layered fabric work and lighting elements, made by Gino.

📍 Maker Spotlight Event Details

🗓 Date: Thursday, September 18  
🕔 Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
📌 Location: Monumental Impact, 866 Highway 105, Palmer Lake
👥 Open to: Guests and Maker Members

Whether you’re dreaming of your next cosplay or just looking to explore the world of creative making, this kickoff session is your entry point. Help shape what’s coming next — and discover what you can build, together with us.

🌐 Follow Gino’s Work

Screen-worthy U.S. Agent costume designed and built by Gino DePolo.

🏛️ About Monumental Impact

Monumental Impact is a membership-based makerspace and community empowering creators, students, and entrepreneurs to explore, create, and compete.

We offer Maker Memberships for adults and Student Memberships for high school and college students, providing access to tools, space, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities.

Whether you’re launching a business, developing technical skills, having creative fun or competing in programs like Combat Robotics or FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), you’ll find support and inspiration here. Join our growing community and make something Monumental.

Students Elevate Their Tech Game

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Thank you to Stephanie Gonzales, a freelance writer for Lewis Palmer School District 38 (D38), for her article on Monumental Impact’s Engineering Firm Experiences offered to D38 students through a collaborative partnership with D38. Under the Engineering Firm Experience the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) program is a competitive “sports of the mind” where students have “Go to Market” industry-like experiences as they prepare to compete, both in their robot’s capabilities and their business engineering portfolio.

Building Our Social Enterprise

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We are ready to build our foundation as a social enterprise. Are there high school students out there in the Tri-Lakes area interested in joining us on the journey? Do you want to help us with engineering and / or technology products, services or event content? There are no definitive books or surefire nonprofit business models for what we envision as our offerings, but we are okay with this.  Since every student is different and the fields of technology and engineering are broad and diverse, we expect over the years our offerings will be different, broad and diverse. Our internships will provide industry experiences as we define, refine, make and deliver offerings. We look forward to helping spark interests and increase awareness of career opportunities in these fields.

Our intent as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit is to be a social enterprise[1].  We would prefer to diversify our funding options and provide opportunities for students to gain industry experience of bringing products, services and events to market as engineers and technologists. As a nonprofit, we can be entrepreneurial.  We can sell products and services, but our income must go back into our mission.  Our mission is to enable student interests and skills in engineering and technology.  Thus we should focus our products or services to be engineering and / or technology-centered to align with our mission.

As with any business we should also set income goals that align with this social enterprise intent. This year we have set non-zero goals for any products, services or event income that we are able to achieve together.

This summer we will be building a foundation in both our development lifecycle and our offerings. The process will span a year across multiple internships for one product to complete one cycle.  After working the product through the process, students will gain a deep understanding of the roles, process and types of businesses that are involved in bringing an engineering and technology-focused product to market. Exciting times for those coming on board this summer for the journey!

We are starting this summer in Stage 1 of our development lifecycle. In our first two weeks we will brainstorm and collaborate together on what products, services or event content we have an interest in designing and prototyping.  What types of products will we design, prototype, sell? How do we plan to deliver? Who is our target audience of these products? Which way will we choose to manufacture them later in the year?  We will also explore whether we could provide services? What can we offer with our skills?  

We don’t plan to work in isolation and will look at opportunities to broaden our experience. For instance, to get a lay of the industry in Stage 1 we intend to visit with inventors and businesses that deliver products or provide services, large and small.  

On November 20th, 2021, Monumental Impact intends to host a MITEE[2] Exhibition. This event will provide an opportunity for students to showcase projects they have been working on and for supported programs to share their latest creations.  During our brainstorm some students may come up with a project that will focus on entertaining community members at the exhibition.  To add to the fun, we may choose to host activities in which both adults and students can participate such as a DonkeyCar Rally and Colorado Combat Robotics.  The Exhibition will provide an opportunity for some fun, market offerings and inspire others to love engineering and technology as we do!

If you are a high school student in the area interested in engineering and technology, we’d love to have you on our team. Monumental Impact is looking forward to seeing what we come up with together!

More information on applying to our internships can be found here.

Summer Internship Schedule

We know summer schedules can be hectic. Some may have jobs that are helping them with funds while others have family vacation obligations. We have proposed the following 2-7-2 schedule for our summer internships. The work schedule will include a 2-week focused time of 3-4 hours a day as a team at the beginning and end of the internship while we have a 7-week flex period in-between where team members are working remotely. A key to this schedule will be the first work week of June 1st where we work together to define our projects and business expectations.

[1] More about social enterprises can be found in our previous article, How is Monumental Impact a Social Enterprise?.

[2] MITEE stands for Monumental Impact for Technology, Engineering and Entrepreneurship.

Ready to enable student experiences

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Core to our mission is to enable student experiences. We now have a space, but how does that impact enabling student experiences, especially in a time of COVID? Well, it impacts our ability to have a home base to enable different types of student experiences even with COVID. We will use our space for: small team competition activities; training before a rotation of desktop equipment to a student’s home and; internships with home-based businesses.

What type of student experiences? With two of our industry areas of technology and engineering we are currently focused on enabling student experiences with fabrication and design capabilities. These two areas can be enabled with some out of the box thinking even with the restrictions of COVID.

For fabrication experiences we will start with 3D Printing and CNC router equipment (examples shown). Supplies include plastic filament, aluminum, lexan, router bits, Dewalt 611 router for these types of experiences.

The design area covers many different disciplines of engineering and graphics, even programming and entrepreneurial marketing. To provide design experiences you need high-end graphics PCs with software licenses for the discipline of interest such as mechanical, electrical, programming and graphics. By providing the equipment and supplies needed for these experiences, students interested in these areas are enabled to explore these career pathways.

We look forward to enabling students interested in learning design-to-fabrication techniques with desktop tools and supplies even with COVID. We also look forward to enabling small team activities for the Bearbotics that is still competing this season during COVID.

With these types of student experiences available to students interested in these fields, we will have enabled them in their journey even during COVID. With a will there’s a way to enable. We just need to think outside of the box. Will you help us enable these student experiences?


Monument nonprofit ‘impacts’ technology, engineering and entrepreneurship for local youth

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Thank you to Benn Farrell, a freelance writer for the Gazette, for his article in The Tribune on Monumental Impact as we were finding our footing in 2020 after COVID restrictions were put in place. We started our nonprofit one month before COVID and yet we still had six interns that first summer that worked remotely to help form and shape our internship opportunities for students interested in technology, engineering and entrepreneurship.