We’re thrilled to share some great news with our community! Diyode Community Workshop has been awarded $500 through the Activating Community Micro-Grant to help support and grow our Diyode Rocket Program in the community!
This grant was provided by the City of Guelph and reviewed and awarded in collaboration the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition, whose work focuses on inspiring connection and community across Guelph, within the traditional and ancestral territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit. We’re incredibly grateful for their support and belief in hands-on, creative programming that brings people together.
What is the Diyode Rocket Program?
If you’ve seen us at events like Praise the Ward, Exhibition Park Neighbourhood events, Waverly Family Fun Night or other local events, you may already know the Rocket Program well. It’s a joyful, noisey and creative outreach activities, and its not just for kids!
Participants design and decorate their own paper rockets, build them using simple materials (including 3D-printed whistling rocket noses), and then launch them sky-high using a highly advacned compressed air system (a bike pump). It’s a great way to introduce kids and families to:
- Basic science and physics
- Making and design
- Problem-solving and experimentation
- The joy of creating something with your own hands
- All the things that can be created at our workshop
Over the past few years, hundreds of children and families have taken part, and the response from neighbourhood groups has been overwhelmingly positive.
Why This Grant Matters
Diyode is a volunteer-run, member-supported makerspace. While our workshop is geared toward adults for safety reasons, we strongly believe that access to making, learning, and creative exploration should start early.
The Rocket Program was originally funded internally as an outreach initiative, but as it grew, it became clear that continuing it sustainably required external support. This micro-grant helps offset the real costs of materials, equipment wear, transport, and volunteer time. All in all, making it possible for us to continue offering this program at community events.
With this funding, we’re excited to bring the Rocket Program to more neighbourhoods and events across Guelph during the warmer months!
Thank You 💛
A huge thank-you to the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition, the City of Guelph and the grant jury for supporting grassroots, hands-on community programming.
If you spot our rocket launcher at a neighbourhood event this year come say hi, decorate a rocket, and count down to launch!
Leave a Reply