The Global Meaningful Travel Map
AMRoC Fab Lab
OUR EXPERIENCES
The Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics Center (AMRoC) Fab Lab, a program of the nonprofit Foundation for Community Driven Innovation, is Tampa Bay's only public Fab Lab, a creative, inclusive and accessible STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Manufacturing) learning and idea development center. AMRoC Fab Lab visitor experiences include Creative Expressions personalized laser cut, etched and 3D printed gifts and products, "maker" focused team building, birthday, and group activities like mini-combat robotics, drone flying, sewing, electronics, wood and metal craft projects, with most programs hosted and supported by teens and young adults in our STEAM programs, as outreach projects. All proceeds benefit youth and adult capacity building programs in STEM, entrepreneurship, workforce and career development.
ABOUT US
The Foundation for Community Driven Innovation (FCDI), which founded and runs AMRoC Fab Lab, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting academic achievement, economic development and the spirit of innovation through inclusive, accessible, diverse and inspiring programs and active learning projects aimed at inspiring and supporting personal fulfillment, self-reliance and improved economic outcomes through critical skills development. Based at AMRoC Fab Lab, FCDI hosts ROBOTICON Tampa Bay, an annual youth STEAM Showcase event and Gulf Coast MakerCon, Tampa’s original Maker Festival.
At AMRoC Fab Lab, people of all ages can:
*Explore science, technology, engineering, manufacturing, and related education and career skill-building opportunities.
*Have access to a workshop with a wide variety of power and hand tools.
*Learn about design, 3D printing, and prototyping.
*Enjoy robotics, drones, aquaponics and other experiential science, tech, and arts programs.
*Get entrepreneurial support and networking resources.
OUR IMPACT
FCDI is Top Rated on Great Nonprofits, a Platinum CANDID nonprofit organization, and a 4 star charity on Charity Navigator. AMRoC Fab Lab was named a 2023 Best of Florida organization (and is in the running again in 2024), and FCDI is a 2023 Tampa Bay Business Journal One Tampa Bay Nonprofit Honoree. Over 2000 youth are served by our inclusive accessible STEAM education programs annually. We've launched over 40 businesses through our Equity in Entrepreneurship (Equinent.org) program since 2020 - over 80% Black- and Brown-owned businesses, and over 60% Women-owned, with participants earning up to $1000 each in seed funding. Almost everything inside AMRoC Fab Lab is repurposed, or handmade. FCDI partners with Esmart Recycling, which not makes the AMRoC Fab Lab Computer Lab possible, but also supports our Laptop Loan program and related tech support, which helps remove barriers to technology access. Laptops are also gifted to those in need at the completion of their participation in a program. Other partners include vocational rehabilitation workforce organizations, enabling us to employ interns with developmental and other learning and physical differences. All our programs are open to the public, and intentionally inclusive and accessible.
DETAILS
To learn more, contact: info@ffcdi.org
What are your minimum and maximum group sizes?
4-40
Do you require visitors to pre-book?
Yes
Do you have group rates?
Yes
Do you pay commissions to travel advisors?
Yes
What languages do you offer your services in?
English, Spanish
When are you open?
Typically Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 am to 7:30 pm with usual National Holiday closures
What accommodations do you make for people living with disabilities?
AMRoC Fab Lab is an accessible facilty with accomodations for wheelchairs throughout the facility, including accessible workbenches in the machine shop, accessible restrooms, and other accommodations as needed.