Three local FFA chapters to compete in 48-hour Make48 competition in Fishers

Make48, a nationwide invention competition, is coming to Fishers Maker Playground May 3 to 5.

Six Indiana-based FFA chapters (including three from Hamilton County) with three students per team, will compete in the event. This year’s competition theme is agricultural education, and the students must work together over the course of 48 hours to build a physical prototype, create a sales sheet, produce a one-minute marketing video, and pitch their big idea to a panel of judges.

The participating FFA chapters include:

• Hamilton Southeastern FFA (Fishers)
• Fishers High School FFA (Fishers)
• Hamilton Heights FFA (Arcadia)
• Agricadabra (Purdue Polytechnic High School – Broad Ripple Campus)
• Low Fidelity (Purdue Polytechnic High School)
• Eastern Hancock FFA (Charlottesville)
• Mud Flaps FFA (Frankton)
• Clever Connersville FFA (Connersville)

The FFA member participants, ages 14 to 18, will have access to expert tool technicians and high-tech equipment and will have the opportunity to build almost anything. The winning team, which will earn $2,000, will then head to Make48 Nationals in Kansas City, Mo., in November to compete against six other teams from different cities.

“It’s a privilege to have FFA involved in this nationwide invention competition,” National FFA Organization CEO Scott Stump said. “Personally, I’m always amazed at what our young students can accomplish, and Make48 is making it possible for this select group of students to come together, collaborate, and create.”

This is the second year that Fishers Maker Playground has played host to this competition. A part of Hub and Spoke, the Maker Playground was awarded “Best Innovation in Design” by the National Recreation and Park Association. It features a wood shop, metal shop, computer numerical control machine, 3D printer, computers, tools, and supplies to cut, form, and create.

“Fishers is proud to host the Make48 competition as the city prides itself on being an environment that welcomes innovation and entrepreneurship from people of all ages and backgrounds,” Mayor Scott Fadness said. “The Maker Playground is the perfect setting, as it provides a space for creative minds and ideas.”

“At Make48, we value the partnership with FFA and know we’ll be in great hands this year as the Fishers community welcomes innovation and educational growth for students,” Make48 CEO & Co-Creator Tom Gray said.

This year’s Make48 season, which includes seven regional competitions, is sponsored by Corteva Agriscience, a leader in the global agricultural industry.

For more information about the competition, visit make48.com/fishers-ffa-2024, and for more information about the National FFA Organization, visit FFA.org.

About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 945,000 student members as part of 9,163 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org.

About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations, and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agricultural education. A separately registered nonprofit organization, the foundation is governed by a board of trustees that includes the national FFA president, educators, business leaders, and individual donors. For more information, visit FFA.org/give.

About Make48
Make48 is a nationwide invention competition docuseries that gives teams a challenge at the start of a two-day event. With just 48 hours, teams must create a prototype, promotional video, and sales sheet, and present their idea to a panel of judges. The teams have access to a makerspace and numerous Tool Techs that can make almost anything, patent attorneys, marketing experts, and more. This format allows everyone to have a level playing field and the chance to win, with no prior technical knowledge necessary. Learn more at make48.com.