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MakerFest 2024 Connects Students to Careers of Tomorrow

MakerFest isn’t just an event — it’s a bridge to future careers. Taking place at the Allen County Fairgrounds on October 10 and 11, MakerFest 2024 immerses high school freshmen and sophomores in hands-on demonstrations that showcase local career opportunities and the training paths needed to pursue them.

Organized by an executive committee, the Allen Economic Development Group (AEDG), and the Greater Lima Region (GLR), MakerFest is a powerful collaboration aimed at addressing the workforce needs of Allen County and the surrounding areas. The event seeks to inspire the next generation by uniting local businesses and community leaders to help ensure a robust talent pipeline for the region’s future.

“Workforce development is crucial for the sustainability and growth of area businesses,” says Cindy Leis, President/CEO of AEDG. “MakerFest provides a unique platform to connect students with potential career paths, directly contributing to the skilled workforce that will drive Allen County’s economic future.”

“That mission resonates throughout the Greater Lima region,” adds Dave Stratton, President and CEO of GLR. “Together, AEDG and GLR are dedicated to strengthening our workforce pipeline. MakerFest exemplifies our collaborative efforts to secure the economic vitality of our region for years to come.”

Student at MakerFest learns how a bag valve mask works

MakerFest: Your Path. Your Future.

By engaging students with hands-on activities in fields like nursing, machine operation, and drone piloting, MakerFest helps them understand what these careers involve and how to prepare for them. Clear career pathways are outlined, including training locations, timelines, and potential earnings, giving students the knowledge to shape their educational journeys early on.

Choosing a career path can be daunting, but MakerFest simplifies the process by offering a glimpse into various industries. At the event, students will:

  • Discover local companies and learn about their roles.
  • Explore work experience opportunities, including internships and job shadowing.
  • Understand the steps needed to achieve their career goals.

MakerFest empowers young high school students to make informed decisions about their futures, connecting them with the resources and guidance they need to succeed.

Students walking from buses to MakerFest

The History of MakerFest

Launched in 2015 at the Veterans Memorial Civic Center, MakerFest featured over 100 companies and included competitions, STEM activities, and career advice sessions. It was initially established for juniors and seniors to link them to job opportunities but was transitioned to the younger students to inspire them and help them plan ahead for their futures.

The event was moved to the Allen County Fairgrounds in 2019 due to growing participation and will host 1,600 students from 22 schools this year. 

Leis and Stratton both note that MakerFest would not be possible without the support of many area sponsors, volunteers, and the executive committee. The executive committee includes Dave Stratton, Tim Fitzpatrick, Keith Horner, Jena Shafer, Ethan Parsons, and Tina Mathews.

Get Involved: Be Part of the MakerFest Movement

Join us at MakerFest by volunteering to help with setup, registration, or event-day activities. Sign up to volunteer here.

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

Tracy Hollar, executive committee member, proudly reported that more than 50 businesses and organizations have stepped forward as sponsors of MakerFest this year. Our sponsors:

Platinum+

AEDG

Apollo Career Center

Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce

Platinum

Greater Lima Region, Inc.

Lima Memorial Health System

Mercy Health – St. Rita’s

Gold

Cenovus Energy – Lima Refinery

Charles River

Diamond Manufacturing of Bluffton

Ford – Lima Engine Plant

Fox Event Group

Nutrien

Wieland Randall

Rhodes State College

University of Northwestern Ohio UNOH

Silver

All-Temp Refrigeration

Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters

City of Lima

Lima Area Electrical Apprenticeship

P&G

Regional Growth Partnership/JobsOhio

Rudolph Foods

Spallinger Millwright

Superior Credit Union

Tuttle Construction

UA Local 776 – JATC

U.S. Army

Crown Equipment

iHeart Media

Bronze

Allen County Ohio

General Dynamics Land Systems

Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District

K & M Tire

Kirk Corporation

NGP Printing Professionals

NOW Marketing Group

Staffmark

The Ohio State University – Lima

Reineke Family Dealerships

U.S. Plastic Corp.

Wright State University

Your Hometown Stations – WLIO

Table

Charles Constructions Services

Citizens National Bank

GROB Systems, Inc.

Creek Bottom Farms

OhioMeansJobs – Allen County

Ohio Northern University

Bluffton College

Lima Building Trades

Ohio Department of Transportation

Vantage Career Center

Woof Boom

Special Thanks:  Visit Greater Lima  Convention & Visitors Bureau