Becoming an FLA Node

FabLabs, Makerspaces, Schools and any educational environment using digital fabrication can become a FLA Learning Node.

Learning Nodes provide the equipment, tools, technologies, materials, and hands-on technical training for participating teachers in Fab Learning Academy.

Apply to become a Learning Node here (opens new window).

• Once your application is received, you will be contacted by an Education Hub for a 1:1 interview. If your node meets all the requirements below, you will be accepted as a Local Learning Node and added to the above list.
• Participants will then be able to choose your Node when they apply to participate.
• Each node must reapply each year to participate in the program as a Local Learning Node.

Deadline to Apply as a Node is September 30, 2026.

2026-2027 Local Learning Nodes List

• LCC Fab Lab: Montreal, Canada
• Fab Lab TACOCLY: Miami, FL, USA
• eduFAB: Virtual Node, North and South America
• Mushroom Cloud Makerspace: Shanghai, China
• Franklin Fab Lab: New Jersey, USA
• Fab Lab Oulu: Oulu, Finland
• Creative Spark Enterprise Fab Lab: Dundalk, Ireland
• Fab Lab Groningen: Groningen, The Netherlands
• Fab Lab Valsamoggia: Italy

Local Learning Nodes Requirements

Local Learning Nodes provide the local instruction, technology access, and participant support that complement FLA's Global Masterclasses.

• Qualified Local Instructor. Each Local Learning Node must designate a qualified Fabrication and Design expert to serve as the FLA Local Instructor.

  • Local Instructor must be a Fab Academy graduate or have comparable training to operate and instruct participants on the technologies for FLA.
  • Must be available for all the in-person weekly local classes and coordinate with local participants.
  • Must continuously provide assessment through the assment platform.
  • Must participate in 4 mandatory Local Instructor Prep Meetings, each before the beginning of a new Module.
  • There should be a ratio of 8:1 FLA participants to local instructors.

• Participant Support. Provide participants with the local access and instructional support needed to successfully complete FLA coursework.

  • Scheduled group instruction and hands-on workshops
  • Access to the lab, equipment, and materials during instructional sessions
  • Additional lab access outside of group instruction for completing projects and assignments
  • Support with the FLA documentation site and documenting weekly work
  • Local guidance and troubleshooting throughout the program

• Digital Fabrication Technologies. Provide participants with access to the core technologies used throughout FLA:

  • 3D design and printing
  • Laser cutting
  • Vinyl cutting
  • Microcontrollers, electronics, and physical computing
  • Detalied list of technologies and materials is listed in the FLA Inventory (opens new window).

• Materials & Supplies. Maintain the materials, components, and consumable supplies needed for participants to complete FLA fabrication activities and assignments.

• Assessment. Local Instructors participate actively in the FLA assessment process.

  • Engage with the FLA assessment platform throughout the program
  • Review participants' weekly work and documentation
  • Confirm that required weekly activities and assignments have been completed and appropriately documented

• FLA Coordination. Local Learning Nodes maintain regular communication and coordination with the FLA Coordination Hub.

  • Participate in a one-hour Instructor Preparation Meeting before each module
  • Participate in required Node coordination meetings
  • Share participant progress, needs, and feedback with the Coordination Hub
  • Ensure local instruction and activities remain aligned with the global FLA program

Participant Recruitment & Enrollment

Each Local Learning Node is responsible for recruiting and managing its own participants. The Local Learning Node must:

• Recruit participants within its local community
• Review applications and interview prospective participants to ensure they are a good fit for the program
• Confirm with each participant the expectations of the FLA program
• Communicate enrollment descisions and participant information with FLA Coordination.

Program Fees & Local Node Costs

There is no cost to participate as an FLA Local Learning Node. Program fees are based on the number of participating educators enrolled through your Node.

• Each participant pays a global fee of $1600 USD.

• In addition, each participant will pay a Local Learning Node fee.

• Nodes can determine their own fee to cover materials, staff, etc. (We recommend $1900 USD).

• During the Node Application process, you will be asked to determine your local lab fees and billing requirements.

• email FLA@fabfoundation.org for more information on registering as a Local Node