Classes
Freeside offers many different classes and workshops. Some are recurring, informal meet-ups and others are more formal lectures or hands-on activities.
We try to focus on classes that can teach basic skills and make some of the tools and technology in the space more approachable. We want to give people the info they need to get started so that they can develop using the tools and knowledge-base available in our space.
Freeside members are eligible to receive a 20% discount from the posted cost of the class. All classes are open to non-members, and non-members may teach a class as long as they partner with a member to open up the space for them.
All of our classes are organized through our Meetup page.
Teaching at Freeside
Our classes are taught by volunteers, so they are fairly inexpensive.
Classes are typically taught at a rate of around $5-$20 per hour. If materials are used, then an additional materials fee is included. If a materials fee is charged, the students must either use it in hands-on class work (ex. welding or mold-making) or leave the class with something to take with them (ex. 3D print or laser cut part)
Teachers receive a full 50% of the class revenue. The other 50% goes to Freeside, which covers fees for taking payments, running equipment, advertising the class, offering member discounts, and running the shop. Though we typically don't do free classes, some teachers opt to donate their 50% back to the space. Free workshops are called Events and are covered under a different section.
How to register as a Teacher at Freeside
Teaching at Freeside is a great way to share your skills with the community, get more people involved, and make a real, positive impact on the space.
To register as a Teacher, first fill out the Teacher Registration Form and we'll get with you to set you up as a teacher.
Next, you can register to teach a class by filling out the Class Registration Form and we'll get with you to look over the lesson plan, discuss the details of the class relevant to scheduling and promotion, make any necessary adjustments, and then launch the class.
Why Classes are important to Freeside
Freeside's mission is to provide a place for education and research in the Atlanta community. It's important to make our space and community more approachable to newcomers. Bringing them in with classes and giving them the tools they need to be successful in our space is key to growing and changing with new members and participants.
To achieve these goals, our class structure has to take everyone's needs into consideration. We've roganized classes this way because we feel it is the most best way for everyone involved:
Good for students
- Basic information and a network of help
- Reasonable pricing ($5-$20 per hour of instruction recommended + materials fees if applicable)
- Reliable and organized instruction
Good for teachers
- 50% take of all class income (fees are deducted from Freeside’s portion)
- Teachers benefit from Freeside’s network of interested students
- Free advertising and promotion
- Administration of class is taken care of
- Space and materials are provided (classroom, projector, equipment, etc...)
Good for Freeside
- More support for more materials, space, resources
- Better skills = cooler projects for members
Good for Freeside Members
- Freeside members get a 20% refund on class fees (taken from Freeside’s portion)
- More diverse classes bring more diverse people to Freeside
Open to non-members
If you are interested in attending a class and are not a member, either email the group (freesideatlanta@googlegroups.com) or contact the member contact for the particular class you're interested in. We can ensure that you get the gate code for the Metropolitan complex, and that we are able to let you into the space (and that the class is still happening, of course).
Freeside is always looking for volunteers! If you're interested in speaking or giving a talk at Freeside, please fill out or application form. We'll contact you to help you schedule and promote your class, lecture, or workshop.
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