The maker-in-residence (MIR) program at Tech Valley Center of Gravity was created with the intention of empowering makers and creators in our community. The program offers local makers the chance to pursue a creative, social impact-driven project of their choice at the COG with dedicated space and resources, including a complimentary membership & equipment training, a small project supply budget and a $500 stipend.
This program is made possible thanks to the New York State Council of the Arts, and is part of TVCOG's Community Access Programs, which supports mission-critical initiatives related to access, equity, education, and volunteership.
About the Program
Tech Valley Center of Gravity is committed to our mission to serve as a community resource providing low-cost access to resources, equipment, education and space to the greater Capital Region. Our newly renovated Maker-In-Residence (MIR) Program allows us to provide unique support to local Makers while expanding the knowledge and services of the COG through skill sharing and community collaboration.
The MIR Program is a flexible opportunity for makers of any kind, and the exact experience will be tailored to fit the needs of the individual resident. In general, the program is comprised of three core elements:
- The Project
- Each MIR will spend the first 3 months of their residency actively creating a project of their own choosing, using the equipment and resources here at TVCOG. Projects should be creative, social-impact driven, and constructed using TVCOG equipment. In support of individual projects, each MIR will receive: a complimentary membership, a dedicated 6x8ft innovation space, fully subsidized equipment training, and a limited project materials budget. The MIR will also receive complimentary use of Prototyping Center equipment for creation of their project (training included), and up to $200 in credit for TVCOG classes. Projects will be displayed at an end-of-term event, the format of which will vary depending on the Maker and the project itself.
- Community Engagement
- Throughout the next three to four months following completion of their project, the MIR will develop and host a number of free workshops to the community. The MIR will continue to receive a fully subsidized membership for this period of time, and will receive workshop planning support from TVCOG staff, and a small workshop materials budget. Check out currently scheduled workshops!
- Long Term Maker Support
- Following completion of their Project and Community Engagement requirements, the MIR will be given an additional 4 months of complimentary membership and a $500 stipend, in the hopes of supporting their future creative endeavors.
The program runs on a Trimester schedule, in conjunction with our classes. MIRs are expected to complete their project within the first trimester of their residency and complete the Community Engagement component within the second trimester. A new MIR is selected each trimester, allowing us to support 3 local makers per year and encourage collaboration and mentorship between residents as they move through each core element of the program.
Our MIR will be given the tools necessary to complete their residency and expand their creative horizons, including:
- One year of fully subsidized Prototyping Center Membership
- 24/7 access to the building (Please note, this may be subject to change as hours of access may be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions)
- Access to equipment in all Zones (after safety orientation)
- Fully subsidized access to equipment in Prototyping Center for project creation, training costs included. After project creation, the MIR will be offered discounted rates on Prototyping Center machines
- Free 5’x 8’ studio space to work on your project; after completion of the project, the MIR will be offered a fully subsidized work shelf or locker
- A small materials budget dedicated to the MIR's project
- A one-time stipend payment of $500, following completion of the first two core elements of the program
- Limited technical support from CoG staff and fully subsidized equipment training
- Up to $200 in credit for TVCOG classes
- Networking opportunities with CoG members
During their time in the program, the MIR will be asked to fulfill the following duties:
- Be an active member of the TVCOG community, and follow all guidelines set for members
- Complete the core element requirements of the MIR program
- Be an active media ambassador for TVCOG; this includes providing regular photographic and text updates to be shared in social media throughout the first two trimesters of their residency and having 1-3 features in TVCOG’s newsletter
- Complete an end-of-project presentation event at the end of the program; the format of the summary and presentation event can vary, and will be decided on by the MIR and TVCOG staff
- Design and host a series of workshops for the Maker community after completion of the project; these workshops will be offered free of charge to the public
- Complete an end-of-trimester report (per trimester)
To learn more about the equipment we have available in our facility, please visit our Wiki here or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule a tour.
Time Commitment
The time commitment varies depending on the project and the Maker. MIRs are expected to complete their project within the first trimester of their residency and complete the Community Engagement component within the second trimester. Depending on the individual, this means a time commitment of anywhere between 4-8 months for active participation in the program. We estimate that most MIRs will need to spend at least 16 hours a month in the facility during the first two trimesters of their residency.
The final trimester of residency is designed to provide additional support via subsidized membership for our MIR as they pursue their individual creative endeavors, and has no time requirements attached.
This program is designed with the goal of finding and supporting a gifted local maker who might not be able to afford to use the space otherwise. Qualifying applicants are Capital Region residents, age 18 or older, whose taxable income in the last year was under Troy AMI ($39,526 or less.) The program is only open to individuals, not teams.
The ideal candidate is friendly, community-oriented, and passionate about making, innovation, and education, and has a project already in mind. In addition, the ideal candidate has interest in or experience with teaching, and has some familiarity with some of the equipment needed to complete their project. MIRs must be comfortable being part of TVCOG’s media presence.
This program has no restrictions on medium. Makers and creators of any kind are welcome to apply, from traditional artists to entrepreneurs, engineers to crafters, and more. The project itself should be made using the equipment and resources here at TVCOG.
To be considered a resident of the Capital Region, you need to be a resident of one of the following counties: Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, Washington.
This program is designed to be flexible and meet the needs of the individual maker in residence, as they pursue a project of their choosing and engage the community in a number of workshops. As such, the program will look a little different for each MIR.
An MIR might look like a sculptural artist, who prepares a showcase for their end-of-term event, and partners with local organizations to provide free sculpture classes to middle schoolers for their community service while using the resources their membership provides to learn new skills and work with new mediums, building their portfolio.
An MIR might be an entrepreneur who has an idea to replace a common plastic household product with something made from eco-friendly materials. Their project would be to build the initial prototype of their product. Their end-of-term event may be a review of their prototyping process and the lessons learned along the way. Their community service requirement may be a class that teaches a technique they used while prototyping, or a presentation about the potential applications of their eco-friendly material. They may decide to use their final term to complete a short manufacturing run, so they can start to solicit customer feedback and begin figuring out their go-to-market strategy.
The MIR program is here to support you in your creative journey, whatever that may be.
Woodworkers creating new furniture, welders working on "smart bicycles" that store energy, fiber artists working on a quilt exhibition, aspiring small business owners developing their signature product and more...anything is possible with our MIR program.
Not sure if your project is a good fit? Questions about eligibility? Please contact us via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
The program runs on a Trimester schedule, in conjunction with our classes. A new MIR is selected each trimester, allowing us to support 3 local makers per year. Applications are currently closed for Trimester 1. The Trimester 2 program begins in June, and Trimester 3 begins in September. Applications will be available closer to the program start dates.
Trimester 1 Residency Schedule:
February 15 - February 28: Residency begins
The MIR will complete the orientation process required of all new members.
March 1- May 31: The Project
The MIR will work on their proposed project using the resources and space here at the COG during this time period.
June 1- August 31: Community Engagement and Project Presentation
The MIR will share both their project and skills with the community. Events are designed in conjunction with TVCOG staff. Completion of this requirement marks the end of the MIR's official duties within the position.
September 1- February 15, 2023: Long Term Maker Support
Upon completion of the above program requirements, the MIR will be awarded a one-time $500 stipend and given a fully subsidized membership in the hopes of supporting their future creative endeavors. You will be asked to complete an end-of-year review of the program for internal feedback purposes.
CODE OF CONDUCT All program participants are expected to abide by our Member Code of Conduct, and to follow the guidelines regarding COVID-19 safety measures listed here.
RIGHT OF REFUSAL TVCOG reserves the right to dismiss any application to any program if the applicant is deemed ineligible. TVCOG also reserves the right to offer applicants entry into a different program than the one denoted as preferred on their application.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION The MIR program is not an employment offer; as an MIR, you will be considered an independent contractor. As such, you will be required to provide TVCOG with a W-9 form. The one-time $500 stipend, to be paid out at the end of the residency, is considered taxable income.
TVCOG reserves the right to request additional proof of income upon application receipt.
MIR SELECTION PROCESS
Applications will be reviewed by the MIR Selection Committee, which consists of at least one of each of the following: a TVCOG member in good standing, a current TVCOG Board Member and a current TVCOG staff member.
MIR PROGRAM AGREEMENT
Program agreements are modified to fit the needs of the individual MIR. You can view a general version of the program agreement here.
Applications for this trimester are no longer being accepted. Applicants will be contacted about the status of their application via email within 1-2 weeks. Applications for the following trimester will be available later this spring.
Online applications submitted through our forms portal are preferred. If this is prohibitive, TVCOG will provide a paper version upon request. You can view the Trimester 1 application questions here; please note, the application is subject to change for the following trimesters.
This program is made possibly by the New York State Council of the Arts.
Assistance for Businesses:
The Small Business Support Program offers up to one year of partially or fully subsidized membership to local businesses.
OVERVIEW: The Small Business Support Program offers up to a 75% reduction in Professional Maker membership dues. Members also will receive discounts on space rentals, machine use, and mentorship hours.
REQUIREMENTS: Program participants are required to credit TVCOG as a sponsor, and must provide a limited amount of media for use in promotional materials.
ELIGIBILITY: This program is for pre-revenue startup businesses based at a Troy address, small businesses that have been established at a Troy address for 4 years or less and independent artists that have demonstrated a need for more affordable access to TVCOG.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Currently accepting applications. Online application form required. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and reviewed by TVCOG Staff upon receipt; applicants will be contacted regarding application status within 5-7 business days of submission. Approved applicants start the program on the 1st of the next month.
This program is made possible thanks to the Troy Now Intiative.
Assistance for Individual Memberships:
The Pay-What-You-Can Program offers up to one year of partially or fully subsidized membership to individuals with demonstrated financial need.
OVERVIEW: This program offers up to a 100% reduction in Super Maker membership dues (offered in 25% increments) for a period of up to 12 months.
REQUIREMENTS: Volunteer hours are required. Each program participant must complete one 4-hour shift per month for each 25% reduction in membership cost, e.g a 50% reduction in membership would have an 8-hour per month volunteer requirement, whereas a 75% reduction would have a 12-hour per month volunteer requirement. Volunteer positions vary, but options include operating the front desk/check-in station, basic organizational tasks, etc. Program members will work with the Volunteer Coordinator and TVCOG staff to determine which volunteer position best suits them.
ELIGIBILITY: Qualifying applicants must make below current Troy AMI ($39,526). No residential restrictions, but priority is given to Troy residents. All TVCOG members must be 18+.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Currently accepting applications. Online application form required. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and reviewed by TVCOG Staff upon receipt; applicants will be contacted regarding application status within 5-7 business days of submission. Approved applicants start the program on the 1st of the next month.
This program is made possible thanks to the Troy Now Intiative.
Assistance for Workshops & Classes:
The Class Discount program partial and full discounts for TVCOG classes to individuals with demonstrated financial need.
OVERVIEW: This program offers discounts to adults with demonstrated financial need for TVCOG classes.
ELIGIBILITY: Qualifying applicants will have either lost 25% or more of your income since March, 2020 or make below current Troy AMI ($39,526). No residential restrictions. Ages 18+.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Please fill out a request form here. Requests should be submitted at least 5 days prior to the class date.
If you are currently a TVCOG member participating in one of our Community Access Programs, you are automatically eligible for class discounts. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the class information and requested discount amount in order to receive your online registration discount code.
This program is currently supported by the New York State Council on the Arts.
The STEAM Education Assistance Fund provides significant discounts on workshops, classes, after-school clubs and field trips for Troy schools and other educational organizations in Troy who serve primarily low-income students.
OVERVIEW: This program offers discounts on educational programs for K-12 students. Offered rates are based on the number of low-income students recorded at that school by the NYS Education Department.
For example, if NYSED indicates 85% of a school's population is low-income, TVCOG offers an 85% discount on fees for that school. Further assistance may be available; school administrators are encouraged to contact us with a statement of need if this is the case. 501(c)(3) organizations requesting discounts will be required to provide this data if it is not publicly available in order to determine discount eligibility.
ELIGIBILITY: At this time, this fund is only available to Troy-based schools and 501(c)(3) organizations in Troy that serve primarily low-income youth. Programs are available for all students in grades K-12.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Please read our School Trip Guide to get an idea of what kind of experiences we can offer your students, and contact our Programs Manager directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss further. All field trip/workshop requests must be submitted at least 30 days in advance, and all after-school club requests must be submitted at least 60 days in advance.
This program is currently supported by the Troy Now Initiative.
We are currently actively fundraising to expand this program. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the STEAM Education Assistance Program, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Educator Opportunity program offers up to six months of fully subsidized membership to qualified educators for grades K-12.
OVERVIEW: We are looking to grow our pool of instructors and volunteers for the THINQubator, our children’s makerspace. The THINQubator’s mission is to cultivate a community that focuses on mitigating barriers to creativity by providing affordable and accessible STEM programming to the youth of our community. The Educator Opportunity program is designed to provide resources to local educators in the hopes of helping them pursue that mission, both here in the THINQubator and in their own classroom.
The program offers up to six months of fully subsidized membership at the Super Maker level for educators working with students in grades K-12. Approved applicants will have access to the THINQuabtor, our children’s makerspace, for their own curriculum development purposes, as well as access to the general makerspace and coworking area for their own personal use. Approved applicants will also be added to our list of THINQubator instructors, and will be contacted about both potential paid instruction/curriculum development possibilities and educational volunteer opportunities.
REQUIREMENTS: Volunteer hours are required. Program members will be asked to spend their volunteer time developing curriculum for our children’s makerspace. Curriculum topics will be decided in concert with staff members, based on instructor’s preference. The curriculum developed will be used in a number of our children’s programs, and should be designed to be easy for other instructors to follow; the instructor writing the curriculum will always be given first right of refusal for instruction of that particular class. Other volunteer opportunities may arise when we return to in-person events as well, e.g assisting at STEAM-Powered Saturdays, our free monthly STEAM education event, volunteering with our First Lego Robotics League etc. Volunteer hours are expected to be between 10-15 hours per month.
ELIGIBILITY Qualifying applicants will have significant teaching experience for any grades within the K-12 range in STEM or a STEM-related field. Preference will be given to applicants who currently hold a teaching certificate or CDA. Preference will also be given to instructors who have experienced significant revenue reduction since March, 2020.
Applicants should be community-driven and enthusiastic about expanding the minds of young learners. Those interested who are not STEM instructors are encouraged to email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss potential opportunities. Those who are not currently certified but are pursuing a teaching certification, or a degree in related fields are welcome to apply as well.
APPLICATION PROCESS Currently closed. Please check back soon. Application form required; form is available both online and at the TVCOG offices. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and reviewed by our Executive Director upon receipt; applicants will be contacted regarding application status within 5-7 business days of submission. Approved applicants start the program on the 1st of the next month. Those who choose to do instruction hours for TVCOG will be asked to complete a background check first.
CODE OF CONDUCT: All program participants are expected to abide by our Member Code of Conduct, and to follow the guidelines regarding COVID-19 safety measures listed here.
RIGHT OF REFUSAL: TVCOG reserves the right to dismiss any application to any program if the applicant is deemed ineligible. TVCOG also reserves the right to offer applicants entry into a different program than the one denoted as preferred on their application.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION: TVCOG reserves the right to request additional proof of income upon application receipt.
PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN/HARDSHIP MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM OFFERS: Final decisions on program offers (including program type, program length and membership level) are determined by our staff based on available program funds and the applicant’s demonstrated need. While individual preferences are taken into consideration, the final program offer may not reflect the preferences denoted in the application process. Program offers are included in notification of program acceptance, and are non-negotiable. We encourage applicants to provide a detailed statement of need on their application in order to increase the chances of being accepted into their preferred program.
Contract Job Opening- Education Team Member
TVCOG is looking to add experienced instructors to our education team to work with children ages 4-18; we are particularly interested in teachers in STEM fields who have an interest in K-12 programming. Education team positions are periodic hourly contract positions. Hours are flexible, and the majority of our programs take place outside of regular school hours.
Please fill out this registration form if you are interested! We will schedule a time to discuss more about our organization and our instructor recruitment process