The Spaghetti Squad is a youth-led maker incubator for middle and high school students who want to move beyond structured classes and dive into independent STEM projects and micro-entrepreneurship.
Named for the “spaghetti” of wires and filament that comes with real-world engineering, this group provides the tools and peer support to turn “messy” ideas into functional prototypes and market-ready products.
What the Squad is About:
- Own Your Project: Whether it’s 3D printing, laser cutting, robotics, CAD or coding, you choose what to build.
- Collaborative Learning: While the projects are individual, the environment is social. Members help each other troubleshoot and share skills.
- Fail Forward: “Spaghetti” happens. When a 3D print fails or a circuit smokes, we troubleshoot together and try again. The goal is to learn how things work through hands-on tinkering.
- Real Tools: Cherokee Makerspace has laser cutters, 3D printers, and electronics benches. We use industrial tools. Safety and shop cleanliness are non-negotiable.
- Market Mindset: If you build something cool, we’ll help you figure out how to sell it.
- Parents Welcome: Parents are welcome—especially if you have skills to share. Machining, electronics, CAD, business, or anything hands-on. Jump in and help build.