The recent board meeting of the Kansas State Board of Education, hosted at the Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB), focused on a bigger question than policy alone. It centered on how Kansas continues to create real opportunities for students across the state. Make48 was invited into that conversation to show what that can look like in practice. Instead of slides or theory, the moment belonged to three students. The team, Dream Makers, made up of Vivi Petelin, Sydney Parc

At Make48, we’re all about hands-on learning and showing the next generation what’s possible when innovation meets industry. Recently, our co-founder had the pleasure of taking that mission to his working farm. On Monday, April 13th, Tom Gray opened the gates of Cannington Farms in Kansas City to a truly impressive group: the students and staff of the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Animal Institute. A Convergence of Talent The farm tour was one of the highlights of a mas

In the 48-hour whirlwind of a Make48 competition, the Tool Techs are the bridge between a brain fart and a working prototype. If you’ve followed our journey since 2022, you likely remember Adam. Back then, he was the "new guy" on the tech team. Today? He’s the cornerstone of Make48, the unofficial documentarian, and the heart of the North Little Rock maker scene. It has been years since we last sat down with Adam for a story. We caught up with him after 4 seasons of Make48 in

Kansas City, MO (April 15, 2026) – SkillsUSA, the #1 workforce development organization for students, is set to host a groundbreaking Make48 competition at its National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta, Georgia. From June 1-5, 2026, the Georgia World Congress Center will transform into a hub of rapid prototyping, creativity and real-world problem solving, all while being filmed. This partnership marks a significant evolution in career and technical education,

MENOMONIE, WI (April 9, 2026) – Make48 is heading back to the University of Wisconsin-Stout , Wisconsin’s only Polytechnic University. UW-Stout will host the third Make48 competition of the 2026 season from July 31 to August 2nd . This fast-paced, 48-hour collaborative invent-a-thon will bring together the brightest minds to solve a real-world challenge in a race against the clock. The University of Wisconsin-Stout From Classroom to Competition The road to UW-Stout follows a

In a city world-renowned for its aviation legacy, student inventors were tasked with a mission every traveler can appreciate: reinventing the in-flight experience. Make48 launched its milestone 10th season at the GoCreate makerspace with a fitting challenge. Partnering with challenge sponsor Fastenal, the competition required teams to prototype a functional product in just 48 hours. Ready, Set, Go! Make48 launches Season 10 at GoCreate The Contenders: Region 1 Classroom Exper

Meet Jimmy Lewis-Swain. At almost 23 years old (April 10th birthday coming up), Jimmy has already lived several lifetimes' worth of stories. From navigating the halls of the Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB) to welding in the tool tents of Make48, and recording country tracks that pull at your heartstrings, Jimmy leaves an impression on everyone he meets. This is a glimpse into who Jimmy is and the incredible impact he has made on our community. Breaking the Mold Jimm

WICHITA, KS (March 24, 2026) – The pressure was high as Make48 launched its milestone 10th season at the GoCreate makerspace this week. In a city world-renowned for its aviation history, student inventors were tasked with a mission every traveler can appreciate: reinventing the in-flight experience. Partnering with challenge sponsor Fastenal, the competition required teams to prototype a functional product in just 48 hours. Drawing inspiration from a private tour of the Kansa

The countdown is officially on. Tomorrow, the energy at Wichita State University is going to shift as we kick off the first competition of Make48 Season 10. We’re back at GoCreate , a premier creative community makerspace at Wichita State University. It provides the perfect backdrop for the energizing problem-solving our viewers have come to love. While the spirit of the competition remains the same, we are shaking things up this year with a major twist to the format. The 24-

In the world of toy design, few names carry as much weight as Design Edge. For over 30 years, the firm has been the secret engine behind the world’s most iconic playthings, partnering with giants like Mattel, Hasbro, and Spin Master. Leading the charge is Matt Nuccio, a man who literally grew up in the industry. “My parents started Design Edge when I was 14, in our family garage on Long Island,” Matt recalls. “I’ve been there pretty much since.” While the company has long sin