Los Alamos Makers launches Creative Workforce Development Program to train personalized-gift makers

Los Alamos Makers launched the Creative Workforce Development Program on Feb. 23, 2026, promising hands-on fabrication training aimed at expanding economic opportunity within New Mexico’s creative industry sector. The program is sponsored by the New Mexico Creative Industries Division to "strengthen creative industry clusters and diversify the state economy," and founder Prisca Tiasse framed the initiative as a bridge between creativity and entrepreneurship: "Los Alamos Makers is an important partner in nurturing local talent and connecting creativity with entrepreneurship."

The curriculum emphasis is practical and cross-disciplinary. Program language on the Los Alamos Makers site states, "This hands-on program helps artists, designers, and creative entrepreneurs turn digital ideas into real, physical products—learning practical design-to-fabrication workflows using tools like laser cutters, 3D printers, embroidery, and sublimation equipment." Other program materials and the announcement also list laser cutting, CNC routing and laser engraving among the hands-on topics, so training descriptions preserve both toolsets as explicitly stated across sources.

Access and audience are central to the launch. Los Alamos Makers says, "The program is open to curious, emerging and established creatives across Northern New Mexico. Applicants outside of Los Alamos are strongly encouraged. No prior fabrication experience is required. Participation is free and limited subsidized access opportunities are available to ensure broad and equitable access to fabrication tools and equipment." Those provisions are intended to reach small businesses and artisans who produce personalized gifts, as well as artists, designers and creative entrepreneurs seeking design-to-fabrication workflows.

The program links technical training to market pathways. Program materials promise "accessible training, shared resources, and business-ready support," and the announcement notes that "through collaborations with regional and community partners supporting entrepreneurs, participants will access commercialization pathways that connect creative production to local markets and exhibition platforms." That combination of shop access and commercialization support targets makers who want to move from prototype to sale.

Examples of the kinds of personalized products Los Alamos Makers showcases include a courtesy photo caption listing "3D-printed ice cream cone and Oreo cookie storage boxes, laser-cut wood carving and personalized laser-engraved cutting board," items displayed at last year’s Science Fest. The organization’s recent activity provides context: Los Alamos Makers celebrated a Grand Re-Opening April 30 (April 2025) and marked a new location at 1789 Central in May 2025, and its program calendar lists events from sewing series and free 3D printing summer school in 2025 through a future "Biotechnology Bootcamp at Los Alamos Makers (July 2028)."

Los Alamos Makers operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and describes itself as "a scientific and technical playground for all ages and abilities" offering tools, space, mentoring, classes and workshops. Founder Prisca Tiasse added that "Our hands-on, cross-disciplinary approach - integrating design, fabrication, media arts, and innovation - opens new pathways for residents to transform creative skills into viable careers and businesses," and she said, "This initiative will help advance Los Alamos County’s identity as both a center for scientific innovation and a destination for creative enterprise."

Interested makers can contact Los Alamos Makers by phone at (505) 309-0561 or by email at hello@losalamosmakers.org. The organization’s site notes it uses cookies to improve visitor experience, and ongoing volunteer roles include Twitch host, shop steward and equipment maintenance positions. With state sponsorship and explicit ties to commercialization pathways, the program aims to convert digital designs into saleable personalized goods and to create clear pathways from learning to earning for creatives across Northern New Mexico.