After guest speakers addressed the group, students from six school districts worked together in groups to identify a problem, develop a new product/service, and pitch their ideas, using the Believe in Ohio Roadmap. The purpose of the forum was to create a “Culture of Innovation” and prepare students to meet the demands of a rapidly changing labor market by creating opportunities. 

After the forum, students visited Athens Makerspace. This is a membership-based facility, where people can use the woodshop, metal shop, fabric/textile shop, or Electronics to create their own projects. Makerspace also offers weekend classes, tool rentals, and individual help with learning to use tools and equipment. Small groups of students were given a tour of the facility, while others had the opportunity to play some retro video games as they waited for their turn to tour.