Fundamental Needs Opens 14,000-Square-Foot Cortez Makerspace for Youth Skills as Contest Offers $5,000 Prize
Updated
Updated · The Colorado Sun · Aug 8
Fundamental Needs Opens 14,000-Square-Foot Cortez Makerspace for Youth Skills as Contest Offers $5,000 Prize
2 articles · Updated · The Colorado Sun · Aug 8
Summary
Fundamental Needs has opened Cortez Makerspace at 209 W. Main St., a 14,000-square-foot center built to give Cortez youth a safe place to learn skills and pursue education or industry opportunities.
The space grew out of student feedback from the nonprofit’s entrepreneurship program, which said local teens wanted somewhere to gather, build projects and access more pathways after high school.
Inside, the center offers 3D printing, laser cutting, textiles, silversmithing, virtual reality, large-format printing and digital design, plus room for workshops, classes and collaborative work.
Founder Justice Ramos, 29, built Fundamental Needs in 2020 after pandemic plans to join the Peace Corps collapsed; the nonprofit has since installed more than 240 off-grid water systems with school-based Indigenous student programs.
The group’s next fundraiser is a creative competition for makers within 150 miles of the Four Corners, with online voting ahead of a late-October awards night and a $5,000 top prize.