The core mission of The Brickyard Collaborative, Inc. is to create a sustainable MakerSpace in Lynn community, with two additional facets – an entrepreneurship support network of shared business facilities, mentorship and resources, as well as facilities that augment the several academic STEAM programs in the area.  The Brickyard Collaborative serves primarily the city of Lynn and surrounding communities of Saugus, Nahant, Swampscott, Peabody, Danvers, Salem, Marblehead and Beverly.  A key focus is on serving middle- to low-income populations, including students, un- and under-employed and retired workers, artisans, craftspeople and creators.  Through providing key tools, systems and processes available through membership as well as offering training, workshops and classes available to the general public, directly in response to community needs and interests; leveraging other partners in the community and collaboration across all age, gender, background and other traditional boundaries, and forming a focus of many areas of activity and interests in the city, The Brickyard Collaborative strives to build Lynn as a center of innovative thought, work, and economic strength for the North Shore and beyond.  The Brickyard Collaborative has a clear focus on renewable and clean energy, sustainable resources, as well as responsible recycling, re-use, re-purposing and upcycling of raw and waste materials through cooperation with the Mass DEP. Largely maintained by volunteers, with a core of experienced staff, the spirit of collaboration and cooperation extends well into the structure of the company.  Many MakerSpaces, in particular our “sister” space in Derry, Northern Ireland (the “sister city” of Lynn), have served to bridge painful divides in the community, and help rebuild shattered economies and social relations.  Lynn is a profoundly diverse community, and it’s our goal to help accomplish goals achieved by our friends in Ireland.  The Brickyard Collaborative is founded on a philosophy based on the power of cooperation, collaboration, a positive and supporting community of diverse, yet like-minded creators, builders, designers, entrepreneurs and students of any age.