Buffalo’s makerspace and business incubator excited to expand programming for young adults
BUFFALO, NY – The Foundry will be receiving a grant from the First Niagara Foundation in partnership with KeyBank to expand workforce development opportunities through the launch of a social enterprise, FoundryMade.
FoundryMade is an expansion of The Foundry’s current workforce training program which provides young adults ages 18-25 with employable skills in computer-assisted design and manufacturing. The social enterprise will further utilize The Foundry’s on-site makerspaces to produce and sell items, providing students with paid opportunities to practice the skillsets they’ve developed. Students will get a chance to experience what it takes to run a successful enterprise and learn about viable career options in manufacturing, making, and entrepreneurship.
“The Foundry is a unique community resource for youth, makers and entrepreneurs,” said Elizabeth Gurney, Executive Director of the First Niagara Foundation and Director of Corporate Philanthropy at KeyBank. “We’re excited to support FoundryMade as it will impact low-income young adults, create long-term financial sustainability for The Foundry and ensure they can continue to inspire makers and entrepreneurs well into the future.”
The start date for the next round of The Foundry’s workforce development program is scheduled for Fall 2021. Their program is expected to serve approximately 20 students annually. Enrollment details will be published on The Foundry’s website midsummer.“
FoundryMade has been in the planning stages for several years, and we’re so thankful the funding from First Niagara Foundation will allow us to provide this unique learning and employment opportunity for our students,” said Megan McNally, Executive Director of The Foundry.
The Foundry is currently seeking a full-time FoundryMade Manager to oversee the operations of their social enterprise. For more information about the position, visit their website: thefoundrybuffalo.org/employment_opportunities