The model
A state-based system for making
The 1890 land-grant HBCUs already operate a statewide delivery system through cooperative extension — trusted offices, staff, and relationships in nearly every county they serve. The HBCU Fab Lab Network uses that existing infrastructure to scale digital fabrication capacity fast, with Clark Atlanta University as the national programming hub and industry partners contributing real-world projects.
- Tier 1
National Programming Hub
Clark Atlanta University sets curriculum, standards, and the badge framework for the network.
- Tier 2
State Hub (1890 Land-Grant)
1890 land-grant HBCUs run statewide programming and support every site in their state.
- Tier 3
Cooperative Extension Site
Extension offices deliver regional access, outreach, and mobile making capacity.
- Tier 4
Community College / High School
Education sites where students build foundational fabrication skills and earn badges.
- Tier 5
Industry Partner
Industry partners that bring project needs, share expertise, and host advanced work.
What this prototype shows
Site records, equipment lists, and badges here are a working model seeded from public Fab Lab Network data (including Clark Atlanta's listing on fablabs.io). Site administrators will maintain their own equipment through a shared catalog checklist.
Get involved
Institutions can join as state hubs, extension sites, or education partners. Businesses and industry collaborators can post capability requests into the network.
Submit a request →