A New Era of Youth Innovation Begins: Ribbon Cutting Celebration for Our Maker Space Powered by the Audre Slater Foundation

The Santa Monica Family YMCA marked an exciting milestone this month with the official ribbon cutting of our brand-new Maker Space—a dynamic, creativity-driven environment dedicated to sparking innovation in the hearts and minds of our youth. This special project came to life thanks to the remarkable generosity of the Audre Slater Foundation, whose commitment to empowering young people has made a lasting impact on our community.

A Place Where Imagination Takes Flight

Tucked within our Y’s walls, the Maker Space is designed to be more than just a room—it’s a launchpad for possibility. Outfitted with tools and materials for crafting, design, science, and technology, this vibrant space will serve children participating in our After School Enrichment, Day Camps, and future youth development programming. Whether it’s engineering a simple circuit, painting a dream, or building a robot prototype, this space gives our young thinkers the freedom to explore, experiment, and express themselves.

Celebrating Community, Creativity, and Commitment

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was marked by joy, gratitude, and forward-looking energy. YMCA staff, families, supporters, and members of the Audre Slater Foundation gathered to commemorate the opening with tours, hands-on demonstrations, and heartfelt remarks about the power of investing in our future leaders. It was a moving reminder that when a community comes together with purpose, magic happens.

A Lasting Gift from the Audre Slater Foundation

The vision for this Maker Space wouldn’t have become a reality without the Audre Slater Foundation. Their investment goes far beyond bricks and mortar—it’s an investment in every child who walks through our doors, offering them a safe space to discover talents, grow confidence, and dream big. We are honored to carry forward this mission, and deeply thankful for the foundation’s trust in our work.

Looking Ahead

As we expand programming in the months ahead, we’re thrilled about the ways this space will inspire learning and leadership. We can’t wait to share the projects our young makers bring to life—and to watch them rise. Stay tuned for highlights, photos, and opportunities to get involved. At the Santa Monica Family YMCA, we believe every child deserves the chance to create, build, and thrive—and thanks to the Audre Slater Foundation, we’re one step closer to making that dream a reality for all.

Together, we build a better tomorrow.