Clatsop Community College is opening the doors to a new, student-driven innovation space on its Lexington Campus called the IDEALab with a Community Open House on Friday, May 15th from 4–7 p.m.
The IDEALab, short for Imagination, Design, Engineering, and Art, is a dynamic, hands-on “maker” space designed to give students and soon, the broader community access to tools and technology for creating, prototyping, and exploring new ideas.
The May 15 Open House is an opportunity for the public to tour the space, see demonstrations, and connect with the students who helped bring the lab to life.
“This space has truly been built by students, for students,” said Tom Ank, project organizer and Director of Computer Services and Information Security for CCC. “From selecting equipment to designing the layout and even painting the walls, our Federal Work Study students have shaped what the IDEALab has become.”
The project has evolved through student input and dedication. Student workers will continue to play a central role, staffing the front desk, assisting users, and providing hands-on support with equipment.
Maleek Moore, a current CCC and Job Corps student earning a transfer degree in biology with plans to pursue diagnostic imaging, first became involved after regularly using the former lounge space in the Services Building between classes.
“This was my quiet space, but when Tom explained what was going to be created here, I got excited,” said Moore. “I was in the right space at the right time and now I’m a work study student for the IDEALab and staff the front desk to check people in, give tours, and demonstrations about the amazing things people can do in this space with this equipment. It is so cool that this is available for free to students through our tech fees. I’ve given a bunch of tours to students and love hearing their excitement when they see the different areas.”
While speaking about the project, Moore was simultaneously using one of the Prototype Lab’s 3D printers to create a fidget spinner to use during class.
Located in the Services Building between Columbia Hall and the Art Building, the IDEALab offers a wide range of specialized areas designed to support creativity across disciplines:
Fiber Lab – Sewing, embroidery, textiles, and leatherworking tools, along with a community yarn and fabric exchange.
Prototype Lab – 3D printers, laser engraving, and electronics repair equipment for building and testing ideas.
Promotion Lab – Equipment to create stickers, apparel, signage, and promotional materials for student clubs and small businesses.
Audio Lab – A professional sound booth for podcasts, voice-overs, and audio production.
Video Lab – Studio space with green screen, lighting, and high-end video equipment for digital media projects.
Another student helping shape the IDEALab is Ezra Haines, a CCC student pursuing a transfer degree to study computer science, works primarily in the Audio and Video Labs. During his interview, Haines was developing instructional sheets to help future users navigate the audio equipment.
“Students will be able to use this space to do voice overs, podcasts, and we are even working on getting all the equipment to do stop motion animation,” said Haines. “I love how hands-on everything is and I’m excited to see where this goes and what people do with access to this equipment. Every student should come check this out.”
Outside the lab, a newly reimagined student space will support small gatherings for workshops, club meetings and collaborations, further expanding opportunities for student and community engagement.
This spring term, the IDEALab is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for CCC students, faculty, and staff at no cost for small-batch materials and projects. K–12 educators and dual-enrolled students are also welcome to utilize the space and equipment.
Community access will expand in July, with a low-cost fee structure to support materials and ongoing operations. The lab will also host regular K–12 educator meetups to strengthen regional STEAM education and collaboration.
The IDEALab was developed with a modest investment of less than $20,000 from institutional technology funds and student technology fees, along with generous donations of materials and equipment. The result is a high-impact resource designed to support learning, entrepreneurship, and community connection.
Community members are encouraged to attend the IDEALab Open House on Friday, May 15th from 4–7 p.m. at the Lexington Campus in the Services Building to explore the space, meet student creators, and discover how the college is expanding access to hands-on learning.
With its focus on innovation and collaboration, the IDEALab reflects Clatsop Community College’s continued commitment to empowering students and strengthening the region through education and creativity.
