NOVA Fab Lab

fab lab tools

Explore the NOVA Fab Lab

Located in the Trailside Building at Northern Virginia Community College’s Manassas campus, the Fab Lab is a world-class, state-of-the-art makerspace open to all NOVA students, faculty, staff, and the broader education community. The Fab Lab’s mission is to provide a holistic experience in Digital Fabrication, offering access to advanced fabrication processes, training in 3D modeling, and a foundation in Design Thinking and creative problem-solving.

Access the Fab Lab by attending one of our workshops, demonstrations, or special events. You can also request a class collaboration, field trip, or tour. We offer informal opportunities such as free open lab sessions for personal projects, as well as bi-annual design challenges and competitions for students.

The Fab Lab staff are skilled in a wide range of areas, including electronics and coding, fabrication equipment operation, design software, soft circuits, sewing, woodworking, robotics, and additive manufacturing (3D printing). Whatever you want to create, we’re here to support you.

Visit us today; we’d love to show you around.

Programs

NOVA Makers is a FREE membership program, which opens the NOVA Fab Lab to NOVA Students, Faculty and Staff to work on personal projects during our Open Labs.

How does it work?

NOVA Students, Faculty, and Staff

  1. Enroll in the NOVA Makers Course on Canvas.
  2. On Canvas, pass the online Safety Orientation Certification and fill out the release form, which will make you an official member!
  3. Come-in during open lab hours to use machines and equipment. If it is your first time visiting or you need some help, ask a NOVA Fab Lab staff member for assistance.

Summer 2025 Lab Hours - May 27 to June 18

Day Time
Sunday, Monday, Friday, Saturday CLOSED
Tuesday 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

NOVA’s Junior Makers program creates a fun, social environment for our youngest generation of makers to be introduced to fabrication and to build confidence in their STEM and problem-solving skills!

We offer a wide range of topics and activities for students ages 10-15 to create a unique project with their parent or guardian. Sessions are typically held on Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

Sign-up for our newsletter to get updated on Fall 2025 offerings!

Community Makers provides free access to the NOVA Fab Lab for community members interested in Digital Fabrication and Making with limited access to digital fabrication equipment and training. To be considered for this program, interested individuals can apply online for a limited number of openings.

This program is popular with:

  • Local Educators
  • Local Librarians
  • High School Students (age restricted)
  • Home School Students (age restricted)
  • Interested Volunteers / Mentors

Email us at FabLab@nvcc.edu for more information.

The Fab Lab works with NOVA classes to support projects, lessons, and relevant activities. Support and activities can be provided in-person in the actual lab, virtually, or as a hybrid approach.

Faculty

Interested in discussing how the lab can support your class? If so, contact the Fab Lab at fablab@nvcc.edu, 703.530.3505, or submit an interest form.