NOVA Fab Lab

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, and staff. 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. Faculty can also request a class collaboration or tour. We offer informal opportunities such as free open lab sessions for personal projects, as well as 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.

To schedule a tour or for any questions, please email fablab@nvcc.edu.

NOVA Fab Lab Calendar

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

Enroll in the NOVA Makers Course on Canvas.
On Canvas, pass the online Safety Orientation Certification and fill out the release form, which will make you an official member!
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.

Spring 2026 Lab Hours

Days	Times
Mondays	4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tuesdays	CLOSED
Wednesdays	11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Thursdays	CLOSED
Fridays	9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays, Sundays	CLOSED

Community Makers is an invite-only program which provides access to the NOVA Fab Lab for regional students and educators outside of the Northern Virginia Community College network. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online to be considered for one of the available openings - Applications are reviewed at the beginning of each semester, with an emphasis on education.

This program is popular with:

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

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.