Harper College will be closed Wednesday, November 27 through Sunday, December 1 for Thanksgiving Break.
At Harper’s Makerspace, we are committed to giving back to the community by providing a dynamic space where students, staff, and local residents can unleash their creativity. A partnership between Harper College and Golden Corridor MakerSpace (GCMS), our center offers the tools, support, and inspiration needed to turn ideas into reality.
We are more than just a space to create; we are a hub for innovation, where budding entrepreneurs, inventors, and engineers from all backgrounds come together to pursue their passions. Our mission is to cultivate a culture of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that empowers individuals to make a positive impact on campus and within the broader community.
Harper College’s 2021 3D Printed Toys for Tots Toy Drive exceeded expectations by
producing and donating 7,195 toys, far surpassing the original goal of 5,000. Organized
by the Harper Business and Entrepreneurship Club and the IDEASHOP Makerspace, the
drive brought smiles to thousands of children in the local community.
Inspired by IC3D’s 4th Annual 3D Printed Toys for Tots campaign, Harper served as an official "Elfhub" for the Chicago area. Volunteers from the college and community worked tirelessly, 3D printing and quality checking toys before distributing them to local nonprofits and the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots organization.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Harper College’s Makerspace and Entrepreneur
Center stepped up to address the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for
frontline workers. The team, along with community partners, produced over 3,000 face
shields and 8,000 visors, distributing them to local hospitals, fire departments,
and assisted living facilities. Their efforts were recognized in major outlets like
CNN and the Chicago Tribune. The project exemplified the center's commitment to community
support during a critical time.