Olympia Resident Scholarship

The City of Olympia and the Olympia City Council are investing in the next generation of makers, builders, and entrepreneurs in our region. This scholarship exists because they believe the right tools and training at the right moment can turn an idea into a business, a hobby into a career, and a curious mind into a community asset. By partnering with the Lacey MakerSpace, Olympia is creating a direct pathway for its residents to tap into one of the region's premier innovation and fabrication resources.

Four annual memberships to Lacey MakerSpace (valued at $660 each) are available to Olympia residents who are ready to build something, whether that's a product, a skill set, a side business, or a creative venture. Financial barriers shouldn't be what stands between a good idea and the tools to build it.

Applicants at every stage are welcome. You don't need a business plan or a prototype. What we're looking for is a clear sense of where you want this opportunity to take you, a genuine interest in making and building, and a readiness to explore, learn, create, and connect.

Please confirm the following before proceeding with your application:

Note: Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Only one scholarship application per household will be considered.

Contact Information

Name

First NameLast Name

Email

example@example.com

Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Olympia Residential Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

City

Postal / Zip Code

Application Questions

What financial or personal challenges make it difficult for you to afford a Lacey MakerSpace membership?

You may include anything you'd like us to consider, such as your current work status, family obligations, housing situation, or access to creative and professional resources. (200–300 words)

What do you want to build, create, or learn, and how does the Lacey MakerSpace fit into that?

Tell us about the idea, skill, or goal you’re working toward. What tools or equipment at the MakerSpace draw your interest, and how do you see them connecting to where you want to go? You don’t need a finished plan, but we want to understand what excites you about this opportunity and what you hope this membership can make possible.(200–300 words)

What skills, perspectives, or experiences do you have that you think could benefit others in the MakerSpace community?

This could be technical know-how, creative thinking, life experience, a knack for mentoring, or something else entirely. We believe shared knowledge makes this community stronger. (150–250 words)

About Your Idea or Business

The City of Olympia has invested in this scholarship as part of a broader commitment to economic development and entrepreneurship in the region. This section helps us understand where you are in that journey.

Are you currently starting or running a business or creative venture?

If applicable: Business or venture name:

Brief description of your business, product, or idea (optional but encouraged)

This helps us understand what you're working toward and prepare resources to support you when you arrive. (150–250 words)

Community & Background

We'd like to better understand who we're reaching with this opportunity. Please feel free to share any identities or communities you belong to (e.g., BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, veteran, etc.), and anything else about your background or experiences not covered above.

Your response helps us better understand who we’re reaching and demonstrates the value of this program to our funders and partners. This section is entirely optional.

Scholarship Details & Expectations

Membership Scholarship Application Details

Application Timeline: Applications are open now and will be accepted until all four scholarships have been awarded. Review will begin on June 17, 2026, and applications will be reviewed in the order they are received.

Because awards are limited and made on a rolling basis, we strongly encourage you to apply early. Scholarship recipients will be contacted directly after their application has been reviewed and selected. Applicants who are not selected may not receive individual notification.

Once all four scholarships have been awarded, the application will close.

What's Included: Each scholarship covers one full year of Lacey MakerSpace membership dues, valued at $660. Equipment usage fees are billed separately at the standard member rate and require a valid credit card on file.

If Selected: All scholarship recipients are required to complete the online member orientation before accessing the MakerSpace, sign a liability waiver, keep a valid credit card on file for equipment usage fees, and follow all Lacey MakerSpace policies and guidelines.

End-of-Year Report: At the close of the membership year, recipients may be asked to submit a brief narrative describing their experiences, projects, and accomplishments during their time at the MakerSpace. This helps Lacey MakerSpace demonstrate the program's impact to the City of Olympia.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: RECIPIENTS MUST ACTIVATE THEIR MEMBERSHIP WITHIN 30 DAYS OF NOTIFICATION OR THE SCHOLARSHIP WILL BE FORFEITED AND OFFERED TO ANOTHER APPLICANT.

Visit laceymakerspace.org to learn more about the space, tools, and community, or email us at info@laceymakerspace.org with any questions.