Maker Mentor Partnership Overview

A Maker Mentor partnership with EPK connects skilled STEM and makerspace professionals—including staff or independent contractors—with schools through the Pinball Project STEM Program. Maker Mentors help deliver hands-on learning to high school students while earning affiliate revenue when schools purchase program options via unique links.

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Examples of School Purchases Generating Affiliate Revenue

• Incursion with Tools: Schools with equipment but no trained teacher buy the Pinball Project and hire a Maker Mentor to co-deliver. Maker Mentors could be maker space staff or independent contractors trained by EPK.

• Incursion without Tools: Schools lacking both tools and a trained teacher purchase the Pinball Project, hire a Maker Mentor, and rent a Mobile Makerspace. The mentor might be staff or a contractor supplying their own mobile setup.

• Excursion: Schools without equipment send students to a makerspace, purchasing the Pinball Project and hiring a Maker Mentor at the rented makerspace location.

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Maker Mentor Training and Benefits

EPK offers free training, so Maker Mentors can facilitate sessions either at schools or makerspaces. This arrangement helps spaces and mentors serve more schools and promotes creativity through quality STEM programming. Partnering with EPK fosters a strong, inclusive makerspace community while supporting financial stability.

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Partnering with EPK offers Maker Spaces and independent Maker Mentor providers a range of compelling benefits that directly support both their operational goals and their broader mission to foster creativity and innovation. Through the partnership, Maker Spaces and Maker Mentors 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, Maker Spaces and independent Maker Mentor providers 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 and independent Maker Mentor providers 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 Maker Space and Maker Mentor’s ongoing operations but also encourages outreach and community engagement, as both are incentivised to promote the programs and build connections with local schools. Overall, partnering with EPK enables Maker Spaces and Maker Mentors to offer high-quality STEM experiences, grow their community, and ensure long-term viability while contributing to a vibrant, inclusive learning environment.

How the EPK Partnership Operates

Overview

The EPK partnership connects Maker Mentors to schools via three affiliate types and delivery methods.

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Types of Maker Mentors

• Maker Space staff (trained by EPK)

• Independent Contractors (hired by Maker Space, trained by EPK)

• Independent Providers (not linked to Maker Space, trained by EPK)

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School Delivery Configurations

• Incursion: Maker Mentor delivers at the school, with school’s own makerspace or provided by Maker Mentor's Mobile Makerspace

• Excursion: Program runs at makerspace, requiring both mentor and equipment

 

Becoming a Maker Mentor

• Candidate completes EPK training based on chosen delivery configuration.

• Credentials are verified by EPK.

• Affiliate link and promo materials provided.

• Maker Mentor or Maker Space promotes program to schools via website and outreach.

• Schools select and book programs online, activating affiliate purchases.

• Revenue includes commission, mentor hire fee, and optional equipment hire.

• Trained mentors guide teachers, ensuring a minimum of 15 days’ support for program delivery.

 

Contractor and Provider Differences

• Contractors must be endorsed by the Maker Space.

• Independent Providers run all outreach themselves and may offer mobile makerspace services.

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Customer Acquisition Channels for Makerspaces & Maker Mentors

Makerspaces and independent Maker Mentor Providers 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 free ways for makerspaces to reach potential participants. These include:

1. Makerspace & Maker Mentor Website Visitors

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

3. Promotional Posters within the Makerspace

4. High School Outreach through Open Day excursions and Demo Day incursions

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Makerspace & Maker Mentor 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. Independent Maker Mentor Providers can also use these platforms for promotion. These social media channels offer a free and effective method to publicise projects like the Pinball Project kits and the School STEM Program.

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Promotional Materials for Makerspaces & Maker Mentors

EPK will support Maker Spaces and independent Maker Mentor providers by supplying promotional materials, including posters in electronic formats (pdf, png, svg). These can be uploaded to Maker Space and Maker Mentor websites, shared across social media platforms, and printed for prominent display within the makerspace or on the Maker Mentor’s Mobile Makerspace vehicle. 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 Maker Space and independent Maker Mentor provider.

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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 at their workshops. 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.

Makerspace staff and independent Maker Mentor providers may 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.

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People from a wide range of ages, genders, and professional backgrounds can become EPK‑trained Maker Mentors. In particular, women working in STEM are strongly encouraged to participate—your visibility and real‑world experience can make a meaningful difference for female high‑school students taking part in programs such as the Pinball Project STEM Program.

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Suitable backgrounds (non‑exhaustive)

• Makerspace staff

• Workforce (relevant STEM industries)

• Retirees (relevant STEM industries)

• Teachers (current or aspiring STEM teachers)

• University students (relevant STEM disciplines)

 

The sections below outline the kinds of skills and experience that make candidates well suited to the Maker Mentor role.

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Makerspace staff

Makerspace staff are well suited to become Maker Mentors because they already understand the tools and equipment commonly used to build the Pinball Project. For example, tools and equipment such as:

• 3D modelling software and 3D printers

• Electronics soldering stations and hand tools

• Arduino Uno hardware and software

• Laser cutters

Their day‑to‑day experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting makerspace equipment is highly valuable to both students and teachers in the STEM Program.

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Workforce (relevant STEM industries)

Professionals across many STEM career paths can take on a part‑time or full‑time Maker Mentor role while giving back to their local community. This may suit people whose employers support community outreach (for example, a sabbatical or one day per week), people between roles, or self‑employed contractors who can set aside time between contracts. Beyond technical support, these mentors provide important role‑modelling for students exploring future study and career options. Examples include:

• Electrical, electronics, mechanical, and mechatronic engineers

• ICT technicians and technology professionals

• Electricians, electronics technicians, and other technically minded trade workers

• Industrial designers and STEAM‑aligned digital media practitioners

• Scientists, lab technicians, and other hands‑on science and technology professionals

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Retirees (relevant STEM industries)

Retirees with experience in engineering, trades, and other STEM‑related fields can be excellent Maker Mentors. Many enjoy sharing the knowledge and practical skills gained over their careers with the next generation as students consider their options in high school. For some, Maker Mentoring can also provide a flexible, supplementary income stream.

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Teachers (current or aspiring STEM teachers)

High‑school teachers interested in STEM education—especially those who have had limited exposure during university or limited professional development opportunities—may be able to become:

• An in‑house school Maker Mentor

• A Maker Mentor on secondment to other schools in the local network

• An independent Maker Mentor provider, available for hire by schools in the area

 

In‑house school Maker Mentor
A teacher who participates in the in‑class delivery of the Pinball Project STEM Program (co‑delivered with a hired Maker Mentor) can build skills through hands‑on, embedded training. In some cases, this may be enough to confidently run future STEM programs, including the Pinball Project.

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Secondment across a school network
Where public or private schools collaborate to share STEM teaching resources, secondment can help address STEM teacher shortages. Teachers who develop capability during a Pinball Project STEM Program can then support multiple schools, sharing their skills and experience across the network. For example, one STEM teacher who becomes a Maker Mentor could be rostered across up to 10 schools, with participating schools contributing additional funding back to the teacher’s base school.

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Independent Maker Mentor provider
A teacher may also choose to deliver the STEM Program as a self‑employed Maker Mentor provider, offering services to multiple schools (similar to the secondment model, but with revenue going directly to their business). An independent provider may also invest in a mobile makerspace vehicle to hire tools and equipment to schools without makerspaces, creating an additional income stream.

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University students (relevant STEM disciplines)

University students often have the flexibility to work part‑time around their study schedule. Students in STEM‑aligned degrees (for example, engineering, ICT, and industrial design) may be able to become part‑time Maker Mentors and support delivery of the Pinball Project STEM Program in local high schools. For maturity and capability reasons, candidates would typically need to be at least in their second or third year of study.

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Alternatively, enterprising students may propose a high‑school outreach model through their faculty, where local schools attend the university makerspace for the Pinball Project STEM Program as an excursion. Students would complete the required EPK training before commencing this work.

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Eligibility and prerequisites

• Candidates must be either makerspace staff or operate a tax‑registered business.

• Candidates must hold appropriate business insurance.

• Candidates must hold a valid Working with Children Check (issued by their state/territory).

• EPK verifies these prerequisites 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 schedule.

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Who Supplies What and Who Gets What?

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

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This section explains how Engineering Project Kits (EPK), schools, and Maker Mentors (independent providers or Maker Space staff/contractors) contribute to the delivery of the Pinball Project STEM Program. It clarifies what each party supplies, how resources are provided on site, and what each stakeholder receives in return.

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Maker Mentors can deliver the Pinball Project STEM Program in either setting:

 

When delivered at a Maker Space, EPK-trained Maker Mentors are typically:

• Maker Space staff, or

• contractors engaged by the Maker Space.

 

When delivered at a school, EPK-trained Maker Mentors may be:

• independent providers,

• Maker Space staff, or

• contractors engaged by the Maker Space.

 

Because the Maker Space page already explains what Maker Spaces and EPK supply (and the benefits they receive), this section focuses on Independent Maker Mentor Providers.

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Independent Maker Mentor Provider: What They Supply

Program delivery

Maker Mentors are trained by EPK to co-deliver the Pinball Project STEM Program for high schools that engage them. Delivery typically involves 15 sessions of 3 hours each, scheduled weekly per school, per Pinball Project.

 

Workspace, tools, and equipment (set-up and pack-down)

Before students arrive, Maker Mentors support teachers by setting up the tools and equipment needed for that session (requirements vary across the kit’s five activity types). Equipment is provided either by the school (if it has the full set specified by EPK) or by the Maker Mentor when the school hires the Mobile Maker Space. Maker Mentors also assist with pack-down at the end of each session.

 

Teacher consultation (delivery configuration)

Before the program begins, Maker Mentors consult with teachers to confirm the delivery configuration and ensure requirements can be met. This typically covers:

• student numbers

• number of cohorts

• number of Pinball Projects to be built

• sessions per week

• program duration (weeks per program)

 

Up to 72 students can participate with one Pinball Project when they rotate through three cohorts of 24 (five sessions each). If all 72 students need to participate at the same time, the school would typically purchase three Pinball Projects. In either case, completing a build requires 15 three-hour sessions.

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Student oversight and guidance

In addition to EPK’s step-by-step video tutorials for each kit activity, Maker Mentors provide in-session support to help students progress safely and successfully, including:

• feedback on student work and answers to questions

• additional tips and techniques

• live demonstrations for skills that are difficult to master

• early identification and correction of mistakes (before they become costly or time-consuming to repair)

 

Teaching, Learning, and Assessment materials (provided by EPK)

Each Pinball Project purchase includes teaching materials (lesson plans and video tutorials). Additional learning and assessment materials (e.g., workbooks, digital portfolios, and marking keys) are available to schools that purchase the DIY School Support Service package or the Maker Mentor Hire service.

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Troubleshooting and problem-solving support

When engaged by a school, Maker Mentors support both students and teachers to diagnose issues (troubleshoot) and implement fixes (problem-solve). This support draws on the Maker Mentor’s hands-on experience and EPK training.

 

Independent Maker Mentor Provider: What They Get

Training (provided by EPK)

EPK training is provided to Maker Mentors at no cost. This cost is recovered through the fees paid by schools that hire the Maker Mentor to deliver the program.

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Revenue: affiliate commission (DIY School Pinball Project purchases)

For each EPK Pinball Project sold via a Maker Mentor’s affiliate link, the Maker Mentor receives a commission that funds the Support Service they provide to DIY Schools.

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Revenue: school delivery (Pinball Project + Maker Mentor Hire)

Schools may hire a Maker Mentor to support delivery of the program, creating a significant income stream for Maker Mentors. In a high-throughput scenario, a Maker Mentor could support up to 10 programs running at 10 schools at a time (five morning and five afternoon [Monday to Friday] three-hour sessions per week). If each program spans two 10-week terms (one semester), this could enable up to 20 programs per year (2 semesters × 10 programs). EPK forwards 100% of the Maker Mentor Hire fees to the Maker Mentor.

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Revenue: school delivery (Pinball Project + Mobile Maker Space + Maker Mentor Hire)

Where schools also hire the Mobile Maker Space, Maker Mentors may benefit from both the Mobile Maker Space Hire fee and the Maker Mentor Hire fee. In a high-throughput scenario, up to 10 programs could run at 10 schools at a time (five morning and five afternoon [M-F] three-hour sessions per week). If each program spans two 10-week terms (one semester), this could enable up to 20 programs per year (2 semesters × 10 programs). EPK forwards 100% of the Mobile Maker Space Hire and Maker Mentor Hire fees.

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Revenue: Consumables Pack (Solo Maker and school purchases)

Solo Makers and schools may prefer to purchase the Consumables Pack directly from a Maker Mentor who stocks it. Maker Mentors can earn additional income by ordering supplies, assembling the pack, and selling it to customers. A 35% markup is suggested as a reasonable allowance for ordering and packing labour

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Starting business as an EPK partner for the Pinball Project

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Overview of the Partnership Commencement Process

To commence as an EPK partner (across all partnership levels), you complete training, pass verification checks, and receive the resources needed to promote and deliver the program. Here’s a summary of typical steps:

1. Complete the required EPK training (Maker Mentor and, if applicable, Maker Space modules).

2. Provide prerequisite credentials for EPK verification.

3. (If applicable) Set up a regular Maker Space or Mobile Maker Space and have it verified by EPK.

4. Co-sign the Partnership Agreement with EPK.

5. Receive your affiliate link and promotional materials.

6. Begin outreach and promotion; EPK facilitates purchases via your affiliate link.

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Affiliate revenue is used to fund the services delivered to customers (e.g., technical support, Mobile Maker Space Hire, and Maker Mentor Hire for schools). You can commence once you meet the requirements for the partnership level you choose. There are two partnership levels:

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1. School Purchase of Pinball Project + Maker Mentor Hire

You can begin operating at this level once you have completed the following:

• Complete the Maker Mentor components of the Pinball Project School STEM Program training (Skool.com).

• Have your prerequisite credentials verified by EPK.

• Co-sign the Partnership Agreement with EPK.

• Receive your affiliate link and promotional materials from EPK.

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2. School Purchase of Pinball Project + Maker Mentor & Maker Space Hire

This level includes both Maker Mentor Hire and Maker Space Hire (either a Fixed or Mobile Maker Space). You can commence once you have completed the following:

• Complete both the Maker Space and Maker Mentor components of the Pinball Project School STEM Program training (Skool.com).

• Have your Fixed or Mobile Maker Space verified by EPK as appropriately equipped and set up.

• Have your prerequisite credentials verified by EPK.

• Co-sign the Partnership Agreement with EPK.

• Receive your affiliate link and promotional materials from EPK.

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