OVERVIEW NARRATIVE

This proposal achieves two primary objectives: overall campus accessibility and barrier removal for individuals with a wide range of disabilities. We are, secondly, implementing a fabrication lab (Fab Lab) for advanced training within our existing makerspace. The REAP Climate Center is based on inclusivity and intersectionality. These funds will allow us to expand our offering and workforce development to serve a broader audience, focusing on people with all types of disabilities.

In a climate context, it is vital to provide training and experiences to create solutions for biodiversity, renewable energy, carbon capture, and more. This Fab Lab will provide job training and support innovation in various industries and vocational occupations. As the Fab Lab becomes a hub for both training and employment services, our organization can work on expanding technical support and purchase more advanced equipment, which will lead to hiring more personnel to staff the operations and hiring technical staff for training and employment services.

The funding will allow our organization to improve and develop facilities and operational support. This will increase our revenue and permit us to continue building upon our business model and mission.

The funding will also allow The REAP Climate Center to train and support individuals with all types of disabilities through the Fab Lab programming and training components. In addition, the operation and staffing of the Fab Lab will increase employment opportunities within our organization for disabled job seekers through our partnership with Pacific Coast Community Services (PCCS). This organization is vendorized by the State of California Department of Rehabilitation (CA DOR) to provide adult work experience opportunities for disabled individuals. As a result, the REAP Climate Center can develop and create work experience opportunities in a competitive integrated work environment allowing each individual to gain valuable training, mentorship, and work experience related to specific industries and our organization’s mission.

Additionally, the skills obtained from our Fab Lab training and resources will facilitate access to various vocational occupations and industries, including manufacturing, industrial technology, arts, biodiversity, and environmental fields. As our business model grows, the organization will utilize Pacific Coast Community Services and the State of California Department of Rehabilitation as a resource for our hiring needs while developing an inclusive work environment. Additionally, the Fab Lab will offer internships and paid work experience opportunities while providing training and technical assistance for job seekers and community members. The labor market research conducted in the local area has found positive growth in all industry sectors, where training and work experience in the Fab Lab will increase employability for individuals with all types of disabilities. Partnerships have been developed with local businesses and industry organizations that have allowed The REAP Climate Center and Pacific Coast Community Services to gain knowledge and relationships, which will create a pipeline to high-paying jobs for disabled individuals.

Furthermore, both The REAP Climate Center and Pacific Coast Community Services have created successful pathways to employment for Fab Lab-trained individuals by building a strong network to include a business advisory council, professional mentors from identified industry leaders, and educational organizations that have additional training programs that relate directly to the Fab Lab curriculum. Finally, Pacific Coast Community Services has over 30 years of experience providing training and employment services to individuals with all types of disabilities. Pacific Coast Community Services is also endorsed by the State of California Department of Rehabilitation to provide paid work experience through the DSEI Grant and has developed successful internship and scholarship programs for such individuals.

PRIMARY EQUIPMENT

40' High-Cube Container w/3 10' Roll Up Doors

Solar Cannopy & Off-Grid Electrical Infrastructure

Laser Cutter - VLS3.75-75W

Fume Extractor - Advantage Oracle IQ 115-230v (L1974-8200)

Table Saw - Sawstop Contractor Saw

Bandsaw - JET JWB-10, 10-Inch Woodworking Bandsaw, 115V 1PH (714000)

Disc/Belt Sander - Shop Fox W1855 Horizontal/Vertical Belt Sander w/ 6" Disc

Dust Collector - CYCLONE DUST EXTRACTOR DC-1450C

Drill Press - Shop Fox W1848 Oscillating Floor Drill Press

Chop saw - BOSCH CM10GD Compact Miter Saw

Air Filter - Purisystems 3-Speed Remote Air Filtration System

Router - Bosch 1617EVSPK

Air Compressor - California Air Tools CAT-4710SQ 4710Sq Quiet Compressor

Dye Sub Printer - Sawgrass UHD Virtuoso SG500 Sublimation Printer

3D Printer - lashforge 3D Printer Adventurer 4

Basic Hand Tools

Tables, Shelving, Stools, Cabinets

*See the full grant PDF for staffing, training, curriculum, accessibility, and more.