Makerspace Partnership - Introduction

A makerspace partnership with EPK is a collaborative arrangement designed to connect local makerspaces with EPK’s Pinball Project and associated School STEM program. Through this partnership, makerspaces serve as hubs for hands-on, project-based learning, offering access to the Pinball Project kits for solo makers, DIY high schools, and schools that wish to outsource their makerspace activities. The partnership operates on a model where makerspaces receive affiliate commissions when members or schools purchase kits using their unique affiliate links. These commissions can be reinvested into memberships, open day vouchers, or DIY school support, ensuring a sustainable revenue stream for the makerspace.

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The partnership also includes free Maker Space and Maker Mentor training provided by EPK, enabling the makerspace to equip workspaces and facilitate sessions for both school excursions and incursions. Schools have the option to hire the Maker Space and engage a Maker Mentor for dedicated, facilitated sessions, while DIY schools can access makerspace support and guidance for their projects. This arrangement empowers makerspaces to expand their offerings, engage a wider community, and foster creativity and innovation through high-quality STEM experiences. Overall, partnering with EPK supports the growth of a vibrant, inclusive makerspace ecosystem, providing expert guidance, quality resources, and financial sustainability.

Partnering with EPK offers makerspaces a range of compelling benefits that directly support both their operational goals and their broader mission to foster creativity and innovation. Through the partnership, makerspaces gain access to the Pinball Project and associated STEM programs, which are designed to engage a diverse audience—including solo makers, DIY high schools, and schools seeking to outsource their makerspace activities. By integrating these hands-on, project-based learning opportunities, makerspaces can enhance their offerings, attract new members, and provide added value to their existing community.

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Additionally, the EPK partnership introduces a sustainable revenue stream through affiliate commissions and Maker Space and Maker Mentor hire. Makerspaces earn commissions when members or schools purchase Pinball Project kits using the provided affiliate links, which can be reinvested into memberships, open day vouchers, or DIY school support. The highly profitable Maker Space and Maker Mentor hire fees are 100% redeemed by affiliate partners. This financial model not only supports the makerspace's ongoing operations but also encourages outreach and community engagement, as makerspaces are incentivised to promote the programs and build connections with local schools. Overall, partnering with EPK enables makerspaces to offer high-quality STEM experiences, grow their community, and ensure long-term viability while contributing to a vibrant, inclusive learning environment.

This section outlines the structure and operational details of a Makerspace partnership with EPK, focusing on how the Pinball Project and associated STEM programs are delivered through collaborative arrangements with makerspace partners. The partnership is designed to connect solo makers, DIY high schools, and high schools that outsource a makerspace, offering hands-on, project-based learning opportunities using Pinball Project kits. Through affiliate links and a revenue-sharing model, makerspaces can provide memberships, vouchers or receive a makerspace Support Service, while high schools have the option to hire dedicated Maker Space facilities and engage Maker Mentors for guided sessions. This collaborative approach fosters a vibrant and inclusive STEM ecosystem, empowering both individuals and schools to access high-quality resources, expert mentorship, and a creative community environment, while also supporting the ongoing sustainability and growth of local makerspaces.

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Solo Maker / DIY School – Pinball Project Only Purchases

EPK offers makerspace partners an affiliate commission on purchases of the Pinball Project made by Solo Makers and DIY high schools that use the affiliate link. This commission funds a project-based makerspace membership for solo makers or provides schools with vouchers for multiple open day events at the makerspace or receive a makerspace Support Service. The process unfolds as follows:

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• Step 1 – Free Training: Maker Space completes Solo Maker / DIY School training provided by EPK.

• Step 2 – Makerspace prepares their workspaces for Pinball Project builds.

• Step 3 – Once ready, EPK supplies the makerspace with an affiliate link and promotional materials.

• Step 4 – Makerspace promotes the Pinball Project on its website, at the venue, and through outreach programs to local high schools.

• Step 5 – Solo makers and schools visit the makerspace website, click the affiliate link, and proceed to the EPK website to purchase the Pinball Project.

• Step 6 – Purchases trigger the affiliate widget, which then pays commission revenue to the makerspace.

• Step 7 – Affiliate revenue is used for:

  • Solo Makers: Receive a minimum of 40 days of makerspace membership, sufficient to complete the Pinball Project.

  • DIY Schools: Receive either vouchers for several open day events at the makerspace or receive a makerspace Support Service.

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School Kit & Space – School Purchases of Pinball Project and Maker Space Hire

EPK provides makerspace partners with the full revenue from purchases, minus the Pinball Project price and a small fee for makerspace training and support services. High schools purchasing through the affiliate link receive the Pinball Project and Maker Space hire. The revenue covers the hire of dedicated makerspace sections for up to 24 students and their teacher, scheduled over 15 days (which may be spread as one day per week). The process includes:

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• Step 1 – Free Training: Maker Space completes part of the Pinball Project School STEM Program training provided by EPK.

• Step 2 – Makerspace prepares their workspaces for high schools to deliver the Pinball Project STEM Program themselves.

• Step 3 – EPK supplies an affiliate link and promotional materials once the makerspace is ready.

• Step 4 – Makerspace promotes the Pinball Project School STEM Program online, at the venue, and through outreach to local high schools, including open day invitations and school presentations.

• Step 5 – Schools use the affiliate link to purchase the Pinball Project and Maker Space hire via the EPK website.

• Step 6 – Purchases activate the affiliate widget to pay the makerspace the hire fee.

• Step 7 – Affiliate revenue funds a minimum of 15 days of makerspace school membership for up to 24 students plus one teacher per session.

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School Kit, Space & Mentor – Pinball Project, Maker Space Hire and Maker Mentor

EPK provides makerspace partners the full revenue minus the Pinball Project price and a small fee for Maker Space & Maker Mentor training and support services. Purchasers are high schools that use the affiliate link to buy the Pinball Project, Maker Space hire and Maker Mentor hire. The affiliate revenue pays for the hire of a Maker Mentor and allocated sections in the Maker Space, for up to 24 students and their teacher, at specific times on specific days, over the 15 days of the program (which may be one day per week).  The process is as follows:

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• Step 1 – Free Training: Maker Space completes part and Maker Mentor completes all of the Pinball Project School STEM Program training provided by EPK.

• Step 2 – Makerspace sets up their workspaces ready for the high schools to come and have the Pinball Project STEM Program delivered by the Maker Mentor, in collaboration with the teacher.

• Step 3 – When the makerspace is ready, EPK provides the makerspace an affiliate link and promotional materials.

• Step 4 – Makerspace promotes the Pinball Project School STEM Program on their website and via posters at the makerspace (or any other methods); and runs an outreach program to local high schools by inviting schools to attend makerspace open days as an excursion and by making presentations to teachers and students at schools.

• Step 5 – Schools visit the makerspace website and click the affiliate link, taking them to the EPK website, where they purchase the Pinball Project and Maker Space and Maker Mentor hire.

• Step 6 – Purchases trigger the affiliate widget to pay the makerspace the two hire fees.

• Step 7 – Affiliate revenue pays for a minimum of 15 days of makerspace school membership (up to 24 students plus one teacher per session) and the same 15 dedicated days for the Maker Mentor to help teachers run the program.

Customer Acquisition Channels for Makerspaces

 

Makerspaces interested in partnering with Engineering Project Kits (EPK) for initiatives like the Pinball Project and STEM Program—

alongside services such as Makerspace hire and Maker Mentor hire—may wonder where their customers will come from. There are at least four straightforward and cost-effective ways for makerspaces to reach potential participants. These include:

1. Makerspace Website Visitors

2. Social Media Channels (Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, etc.)

3. Promotional Posters within the Makerspace

4. High School Outreach through Open Days

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Makerspace Website Visitors

Makerspaces serve as hubs where large portions of the local maker community gather to access tools, equipment, and expertise from staff and fellow members. Online research tools like similarweb and semrush show that makerspace websites can attract anywhere from 2,000 to 10,000 visits each month. With such substantial web traffic, makerspaces can easily engage their existing audience by promoting new and exciting projects in collaboration with EPK, thereby expanding their membership, reach and impact.

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Social Media Channels

Makerspaces frequently leverage platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to share news, showcase activities, and advertise upcoming events to both current members and the wider community. These social media channels offer a free and effective method to publicise projects like the Pinball Project kits and the School STEM Program. Additionally, such promotions can inspire young people to become the next generation of makerspace members and staff.

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Promotional Materials for Makerspaces

EPK will support makerspaces by supplying promotional materials, including posters in electronic formats (pdf, png, svg). These can be uploaded to makerspace websites, shared across social media platforms, and printed for prominent display within the makerspace. The posters and web infographics will feature QR codes linking directly to relevant offers on the EPK website, tailored to the specific partnership agreements with each makerspace.

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High School Outreach – Makerspace Open Days & School Demo Day Incursions

Makerspaces can conduct outreach to local high schools by hosting Open Days. A personal approach—such as delivering a flyer, business card, and branded merchandise to a school receptionist and arranging a meeting with a STEM or Technical and Applied Science teacher—is often more effective than simply making a phone call, especially when relationships have not yet been established. Alternatively, some makerspaces may already have good relationships with their local high schools.

 

Open Days can take the form of school excursions during class time (preferred by teachers) or weekend events (when parents can attend with students). During these events, teachers, students, and parents can experience firsthand the activities offered through the Pinball Project STEM Program. They may also interact with finished products, such as an EPK pinball machine assembled by makerspace staff or members. Playing the pinball machine can generate excitement and interest in the STEM program, while teachers can gain insight into its educational benefits by speaking with Maker Mentors.

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Makerspace staff may also offer Demo Day Incursions at local high schools, delivering demonstrations during class time. These incursions showcase the types of activities available in the STEM Program and allow students and teachers to interact with the fully assembled pinball machine, creating enthusiasm for participation.

Supply and Distribution for the Pinball Project STEM Program

Roles, Responsibilities and Benefits for EPK, Maker Spaces, and Maker Mentors

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1. Overview: Who Supplies What and Who Gets What?

This section details the roles and responsibilities of Engineering Project Kits (EPK), Maker Spaces, and Maker Mentors in the delivery, support, and facilitation of the Pinball Project STEM Program. It outlines what each party supplies, how materials and resources are distributed, and the associated benefits for each stakeholder.

2. Engineering Project Kits Supplies

• Pinball Project Kits

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Engineering Project Kits (EPK) is responsible for designing, manufacturing, and delivering the Pinball Project kits directly to customers. Customers may purchase these kits either through the EPK website or via affiliate links provided by partner organisations, such as Maker Spaces. EPK acknowledges the marketing benefits of partnering with high-traffic makerspaces by paying these affiliates a commission from the sale price of the Pinball Project. This commission can be used by the makerspace to fund Solo Makers’ memberships during the build process and to support DIY schools.

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• Assembly Guides – Session Plans and Video Tutorials

Included in the cost of every Pinball Project kit is online access to downloadable Session Plans (also referred to as teachers’ Lesson Plans) covering all five activities for the sixteen subassembly kits and the Final Assembly tasks. Additionally, over 200 hours of video tutorials corresponding to these Session Plans are provided.

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• Spare Parts Lists

EPK does not stock spare Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) parts for customers. Instead, these parts are purchased and included in the kits. Customers are encouraged to source spare parts locally for greater cost-effectiveness and faster delivery, avoiding additional handling, warehousing, and freight costs. EPK provides downloadable Spare Parts Lists upon request, once the customer specifies the kit and part needing replacement.

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• Laser-Cut Files – Plywood and Acrylic Parts

Custom-made parts such as laser-cut plywood and acrylic components are not stocked by EPK outside of the kits. Instead, EPK provides downloadable Laser-Cut Files upon request, after customers specify the kit, the part needed, and the reason for replacement (which also supports continuous improvement efforts). Alongside the files, material specifications are provided to guide customers in sourcing required materials locally. Using these files, customers gain experience in digital fabrication by producing their own replacement parts with a laser-cutter.

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• STEM Program – Teacher’s Materials

  • For DIY schools purchasing the Pinball Project and Support Service, EPK supplies access to Learning and Assessment teacher’s materials.

  • For Maker Mentors trained by EPK, access to Learning and Assessment teacher’s materials is also provided, specifically:

    • Learning – students’ workbooks and digital portfolios

    • Assessment – Marking Keys for teacher assessment of each student’s workbook and digital portfolio

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• Support Service

DIY schools that purchase both the Pinball Project and the teacher’s Support Service receive teacher training, help, and guidance before and during the delivery of their school’s independent STEM Program. For schools that engage Maker Mentors, these mentors provide the teacher support.

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• Free Makerspace Training

EPK offers free training to interested makerspaces on how to set up and manage the Pinball Project STEM Program for their customers. Makerspaces can access this training by subscribing (for $1) to the EPK Channel on the Skool.com platform, using their makerspace email address and booking their preferred course schedule.

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• Free Maker Mentor Training

EPK also provides free training to makerspace staff, STEM teachers, or engineering/technical professionals to become Maker Mentors who can co-deliver the Pinball Project STEM Program at either the makerspace (excursion) or at a school with its own makerspace (incursion). Candidates must be makerspace staff or run a tax-registered business and hold appropriate business insurance and a valid Working with Children Check from their state. These prerequisites are verified by EPK before training commences. To receive training, candidates subscribe (for $1) to the EPK Channel on Skool.com using their professional email, provide prerequisite information, and book their preferred course.

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3. Maker Space Supplies

Community makerspaces generally use a first-in-first-served (FIFS) booking system for bench space, tools, and equipment. However, for high schools hiring makerspace facilities for the Pinball Project STEM Program, certainty of space and resource availability is essential. Solo Makers can adapt their activities to tool and equipment availability, continuing to use the FIFS system.

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• Workbench Space and Seating

Sufficient workbench space and seating must be provided for School STEM Program makers building the Pinball Project at the makerspace. Up to 24 students may participate for three-hour sessions, performing the same activity simultaneously for maximum efficiency. For example, during PCB assembly, three groups of eight students undertake populating, soldering, or inspecting PCBs, requiring three to six smaller workbenches (such as fold-away trestle tables).

• Table One (or 1 & 2): Eight blank PCBs populated by eight students

• Table Two (or 3 & 4): Eight populated PCBs soldered by another eight students

• Table Three (or 5 & 6): Eight soldered PCBs have component legs snipped and solder joints checked by another eight students

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• Tools & Equipment

Up to 24 students may build eight subassembly kits per session. Each table must be equipped accordingly: Table-One with eight PCB stands, Table-Two with eight soldering irons, Table-Three with eight sets of pliers, cutters, and cleaning tools. PCB assembly is planned in smaller batches, with students rotating through the tables. For computer-based activities (artwork, 3D modelling, coding), schools must bring at least one laptop per three students. For 3D printing, makerspaces need at least four 3D printers capable of printing PETG filament, allowing efficient completion of eight print jobs per session.

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• Consumables

Makerspaces receive a list of required consumables from EPK, but consumables are not supplied with the kits. The Consumables List includes example supplier links to each item to provide the buyer with images, specifications and prices. Solo Makers and School Makers can purchase consumables themselves or through participating makerspaces. Makerspaces offering Consumables Packs can add a markup and labour fee for the convenience of members.

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• Maker Mentor

Makerspace management may have staff trained as Maker Mentors or contract external providers to deliver the Pinball Project STEM Program at the makerspace (excursion) or at schools (incursion).

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4. Maker Mentor Supplies

Detailed information is provided on the Maker Mentor page of the EPK website. Maker Mentors are responsible for:

• Program Structure

• Workspace, tools and equipment setup and pack-down

• Teacher consultation and delivery guidance

• Student Maker oversight and guidance

• Teaching Materials (provided by EPK)

• Troubleshooting and problem-solving assistance to makers

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5. Summary of What Each Party Receives

Maker Space Gets

• Free training from EPK, with costs passed on to schools hiring the Maker Space or Maker Mentor.

• Revenue from Solo Maker/DIY School memberships via affiliate commissions, which provide project-based access and support.

• Revenue from School STEM Program hire fees for bench space and time allocation, potentially multiplied by multiple program instances per year.

• Revenue from Maker Mentor hire fees when schools require program facilitation.

• Additional income by selling Consumables Packs to Solo Makers and Schools, with a recommended markup for labour and convenience.

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Maker Mentor Gets

Details are available on the Maker Mentor page of the EPK website. Maker Mentors receive training, access to teaching materials, and opportunities for paid facilitation roles in schools and makerspaces.

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Engineering Project Kits (EPK) Gets

• Revenue from Pinball Project kit sales, minus affiliate commissions to makerspaces.

• Revenue from Teacher Materials and Support Service sales to DIY Schools.

• Revenue from delivering training to Maker Spaces and Maker Mentors, funded by school program purchases.

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Financial breakdowns for each scenario are detailed throughout the section, demonstrating how costs and commissions are distributed among EPK, Maker Spaces, and Maker Mentors.

​Commencing Business as a Partner with EPK for the Pinball Project

Overview of the Partnership Commencement Process

Across all categories, becoming a partner with EPK for the Pinball Project involves several key steps. These include completing relevant training, setting up the required workspaces, receiving affiliate links and promotional materials, engaging in outreach and promotion, facilitating purchases through affiliate links, and allocating affiliate revenue towards memberships, vouchers, technical support, makerspace hire, and mentoring hire for schools. The arrangements are grouped into three main categories as outlined below:

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1. Solo Maker / DIY Schools – Pinball Project Only Purchases

Makerspaces opting for the minimum level (Solo Maker / DIY Schools) partnership with EPK can commence business once the following conditions are met:

• Completion of the Pinball Project – Solo Maker / DIY Schools training on Skool.com.

• Verification by EPK that the workspaces and equipment are appropriately set up.

• Co-signing of the Partnership Agreement with EPK.

• Receipt of the affiliate link and promotional material from EPK.

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2. School Kit & Space – School Purchase of Pinball Project and Maker Space Hire

Makerspaces selecting the medium level (School Kit & Space) partnership, which also includes Solo Maker and DIY Schools, can begin operating once the following requirements are fulfilled:

• Completion of the Maker Space part of the Pinball Project – School STEM Program training on Skool.com.

• Verification by EPK that the workspaces and equipment are appropriately set up.

• Co-signing of the Partnership Agreement with EPK.

• Receipt of the affiliate link and promotional material from EPK.

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3. School Kit, Space & Mentor – Pinball Project, Maker Space and Maker Mentor Hire

Makerspaces choosing the maximum level (School Kit, Space & Mentor) partnership, which encompasses Solo Maker, DIY Schools, Maker Space hire, and Maker Mentor hire, may commence business after completing the following steps:

• Completion of both the Maker Space and Maker Mentor parts of the Pinball Project – School STEM Program training on Skool.com.

• Verification by EPK that the workspaces and equipment are appropriately set up.

• Verification by EPK that the Maker Mentor candidate has the required credentials.

• Co-signing of the Partnership Agreement with EPK.

• Receipt of the affiliate link and promotional material from EPK.