Learn by DOING with the
Keenan Innovators
Keenan Innovators is an after school program for 6th - 8th graders hosted by the Keenan Center at Le Moyne College
Your student will learn how to develop unique project ideas, use design software, and how to turn those ideas into reality by actually building them. 3D printed spots gear, CNC Adirondack chairs, laser cut wall hangings, record podcasts, edit YouTube videos, make your own T-shirt, or assemble a robot. All of this and more is possible with the Keenan Innovators Program.
What is the Keenan Innovators Program?
Inquiry Based Learning
Some students are full of creative ideas but many prefer some guidance and structure to project based learning. Inquiry Based Learning encourages students to follow their curiosity wherever it takes them. It starts with a question such as “How does an airplane fly?” or “Why are lacrosse heads designed that way?” or “How are special effects added to videos?” or “Could I create an automatic pet food dispenser?”
Students are guided and mentored by our incredible staff as they explore those ideas and quickly begin to experiment using their hands. They will observe, create, and iterate when their first try doesn't go according to plan. Most importantly they will learn how to be inquisitive and creative, how to learn from failure, how to design and build, and how to operate in a more open-ended environment that’s reflective of how things are in “the real world”.
The Keenan Center’s maker space is like no other in Central New York.
The Keenan Center houses 5 different labs with a huge range of capabilities.
Our 3D printing lab has 10 printers ranging from beginner level to high accuracy resin printers to 2 industrial printers often used by our corporate partners.
Our CAM lab houses a CNC ShopBot and laser cutter where students can make everything from furniture to bedroom wall signs to carpentry and more.
Our Media lab contains a professional grade video and voice recording studio including editing hardware and software. Students can learn how to record, edit, and post their own podcast or videocast.
Our Wood Shop contains all of the equipment one might need for woodworking or light metal working including a ban saw, circular saw, drill press, and more.
3D Print Lab
Drill Press, Saws, Grinders
CNC & Laser Cutter
Air Brush Painting & Heat Press
Media Lab & Podcasting
CAD & Design Software
“What’s unique about this program is that I can use any of the rooms in this facility. I can make a 3D print, a game, or even a T-shirt.”
— Student Quote
Classes start the week of March 2nd, 2025
Class Times. We are offering 4 class times for the Spring Season. Each class time will have 10 students. You will be prompted in the registration form to select your preferred time slot.
Mondays 7pm - 8:30pm, Wednesdays 7pm - 8:30pm, Thursdays 7pm - 8:30pm, and Sundays 10am - 11:30am
Dates. Sessions are 12 weeks. Fall session will run from the week of March 2, 2025 to May 18, 2025
Location. All classes are held at the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Creativity at Le Moyne College. There is open parking in the back from drop off and pick up. Doors are locked for security and an instructor will be present for student hand off. We stick to a 3:10 instructor to student ratio.
Price. The program is $299/month/student.
The program cost covers all materials, and of course, students get to take home everything they create!
We don’t currently offer discounts for multiple students, and families register for the full 12-week session. To make payments more manageable, invoices are sent out monthly.
As a nonprofit, the Keenan Center works hard to keep this program as affordable as possible for families. The cost reflects the resources that go into making this experience exceptional, including state-of-the-art equipment, our dedicated facility, and an incredible team of learning coaches. We’re grateful for your support and excited to continue providing meaningful opportunities for our young innovators!
What’s new @ the Keenan Center?
Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates on upcoming sessions, special events, and all the exciting things happening at the Keenan Center. Be the first to know about new opportunities for your young innovator!