Learn More Center Receives $217,282 Grant from Don Wood Foundation to Develop Career Exploration Makerspace

Press release courtesy of Learn More Center

WABASH, Ind. – Learn More Center (LMC) is proud to announce it has received a $217,282 grant from the Don Wood Foundation to establish a Career Exploration Makerspace in Wabash County. The new space will serve as an innovative hub for leadership development, entrepreneurship training, and advanced manufacturing career exploration for adult learners across Wabash County and surrounding areas with an ultimate goal of allowing adults to explore all 16 Career Pathways. 

Learn More Center provides adult education, workforce training, and vocational programs at no cost to its students. Through partnerships with local businesses, educators, and community leaders, Learn More Center supports pathways to employment, higher education, and personal growth for residents of Wabash County and beyond.

“Creating a dedicated space for adult learners to discover more in-depth next-generation opportunities in advanced manufacturing will yield benefits far beyond Wabash for years to come,” said Laura Macknick, president & CEO, Don Wood Foundation. “We’re eager to see this future-forward space offer hope to curious adults looking to find and develop new skills.” 

The Career Exploration Makerspace will provide a hands-on, collaborative environment designed to connect education with real-world applications. Participants will have the opportunity to explore career pathways, develop technical skills, complete microcredentials, and engage directly with local employers and mentors in high-demand fields.

“Historically, Learn More Center’s adult learners report a lack of opportunity for career exploration. In the past 5 years, 98 learners reported exiting before 9th grade–never getting to  participate in career exploration. Many learners arrive undecided regarding a career pathway.  The Career Exploration Makerspace aims to provide high-quality experiential learning so learners can make informed career decisions. We are incredibly thankful to the Don Wood Foundation and their support," said Cynthia Johnson, Executive Director of Learn More Center. 

Learn More Center’s new Career Exploration Makerspace will serve as a resource for adult learners and job seekers by offering programs that blend innovation, leadership, and workforce readiness. Makerspace design and program implementation is scheduled to begin early 2026, with opportunities for community involvement and collaboration throughout the process.

The Don Wood Foundation is a private foundation established in 2018 by Don Wood, founder of 80/20, Inc., that serves and supports leadership development, an entrepreneurial mindset, and future-ready workers with the potential to create and sustain opportunities in advanced manufacturing. The Foundation provides investments to grant partners from nonprofits and educational institutions, in addition to offering guidance through community research and intentional convenings. This guidance fosters a diverse workforce through exposure, education, training, and the development of strong communities that promote the advancement of the manufacturing sector. Visit the website www.donwoodfoundation.org  for more information.

Its partnership with Learn More Center reflects a shared commitment to building a skilled, future-ready workforce and expanding access to opportunities in rural communities. For more information about Learn More Center’s Career Exploration Makerspace or to learn how to get involved, visit www.learnmorecenter.org or contact kathryn@learnmorecenter.org .