Open Works

About: Different from many makerspaces across the country, Open Works is intentionally located at the intersection of three very low-income communities – Barclay, Greenmount West and Johnston Square -- where unemployment ranges from 19-38% (State of Maryland -8%) and 28-39% of residents live below the poverty line (State of Maryland – 10%). This intentionality will drive Open Works mission and programming: to incubate a pipeline of talent (youth and adults) and small businesses to help grow Baltimore’s 21st century economy. In targeting underserved neighborhoods, Open Works aims to create ladders of opportunity for Baltimore City residents.

Open Works and Open Works Mobile will serve our three target neighborhoods by providing out of school time, and possibly in-school time programming in "STEM to Maker Education". Numerous studies have shown that minorities are underrepresented in STEM-related professions, which are the professions with significant opportunities for high-demand, family-sustaining wage jobs. While improvements in formal K-12 education are necessary, children spend less than 20% of their waking hours in school. Opportunities abound to expose children to STEM-related enrichment programs that take place during after school and summer hours. Open Works and Open Works Mobile aspires to provide these opportunities to youth in our target neighborhoods.

Baltimore Corps Fellow:

Featured

2016-17 Fellow

C. Harvey

2016-17 Fellow