Multigen Makers Playbook

The Multigen Makers Story

Three years ago, the residents of Bayview Towers embarked on a remarkable journey that would weave together the threads of creativity, collaboration, and community spirit. The catalyst for this transformative venture was the collaboration between the Bayview Towers community; CAST, an organization working to expand learning opportunities and equity for all individuals through Universal Design for Learning (UDL); Operation Pathways (OP), the resident services provider with family-centered coaching model; and the Boston University Social Learning Lab. 

Together, the partners set out to co-design a sustainable model for a community-run multigenerational makerspace that would redefine their communal spaces and foster a sense of togetherness. Honing their creative problem-solving skills would benefit individuals and the community and become a vessel for navigating change, expanding career pathways, and unlocking opportunities. Significantly, they would define their place within the makerspace movement on their terms — changing the narrative on who makes, what it means to make, and what is valuable. 

Another goal was to create a sustainable community-led model that lifts leadership from within and forges local partnerships. Our aim with this Playbook is to share our insights and serve you in co-creating a makerspace program in your affordable housing community.