Kansas City, MO – July 23, 2026 – What happens when you take 125 middle school students, mix in a heavy dose of real-world business challenges, and add a passion for helping animals? You get an unforgettable four weeks of summer school innovation. From June 1st through June 26th, sixth through eighth graders stepped out of the traditional classroom mindset and into the shoes of professional product designers. Their mission? Partner with KC Pet Project, Kansas City’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal...

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 inventions, his...

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 Jimmy’s journey with...