Community Impact
The Roundhouse is a community makerspace that exists for all members of the Greater Truckee and North Lake Tahoe mountain community and serves as a catalyst for a more connected and creative world. We provide accessible resources -- tools and teachers and programs -- in a collaborative environment where young and old come together to explore their creative potential. As a community-run, community-benefiting organization, the Roundhouse enriches lives with meaningful professional and recreational arts and education programs.
our mission
Truckee Roundhouse supports the teaching, learning, and practicing of a wide variety of crafts, skills, technologies, and arts in the Truckee-Tahoe community.
our vision
The power of a makerspace goes far beyond the value of tools and training. The safe environment we create serves to improve youth and community emotional resiliency and bolster economic potential through creative expression and vocational exposure.
our goals
Support a healthy, connected, and creative community
Improve individual and community economic resiliency
Our Impact
By helping members and students become more confident and empowered designers, builders, makers, and problem-solvers, we invest in the creative capital of our region to improve our community's health and local economy.
In addition, our programs create pathways to economic independence for non-traditional learners and others who may not attach themselves to education or the workforce, thus contributing to a more connected and inclusive community.
What We Do and How We Do It
In our 4,600-square-foot hangar located at Truckee Tahoe Airport, we offer five fully functioning shops -- Wood, Metal, Textiles, Ceramics, and Technology -- with a robust complement of high-quality tools, including cutting-edge CNC Laser Cutters, Plasma Cutters, and 3D printers.
There are four ways for the public to engage with us:
as self-directed users with monthly or annual memberships who work independently or in collaboration with other members, volunteer experts, and mentors;
by enrolling in public group classes and workshops that teach tool usage and inspire creativity via special projects;
as members of school and non-profit groups who are partners in our Education and Community Enrichment Program;
By taking part in our FREE public outreach making events.
We have more than 200 members, ranging in age from 12 to 75. These are retiree guitar makers or furniture builders, entrepreneurs using the space to develop innovative prototypes, families working together on group projects, or fine artists making gallery pieces —there is no limit to the type of users the makerspace attracts.
Our Education and Community Enrichment Program
We partner with local schools and nonprofits via our Education and Community Enrichment Program (ECEP) in creating workshops and custom projects that give participants the chance to make something with their own hands, learn new skills, forge valuable relationships through teamwork, and form valuable mentor relationships with experienced users who work side-by-side with students.
In 2019, we served more than 340 students, mainly 12-18, one-third of who were from underserved communities and whose families live below the poverty line. We are proud of how our program has evolved to engage diverse socioeconomic and disabled populations —most of whom typically lack access to these kinds of opportunities or who face insurmountable challenges to access.
Our partnerships reveal how valuable we are within our community and the diversity of who we serve:
North Tahoe Boys and Girls Club, Sierra College, Creekside Charter School, Tahoe Expeditionary Academy (TEA), Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, CHOICES Adult Services, Arts in Wellness, AIM High, Sierra Continuation High School (Sources of Strength Program), Sierra Expeditionary Learning Academy (SELS), Sierra Watershed Education Partnership (SWEP), Keep Truckee Green (Town of Truckee initiative), Forest Charter School (Program in Human-Centered Design), Sierra Business Council, Slow Food Tahoe, Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, Tahoe Public Arts Commission, and Tahoe Arts Alliance.
Our work at the Truckee Roundhouse is made possible by the unwavering support and generosity of our incredible community of donors and supporters. It is through their contributions that we can create an affordable, accessible, and vibrant environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and skill-building for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
