Dupaco, Key City Creative Center launch maker mentorship program

One aspiring maker will transform a creative idea into a completed project.

DUBUQUE, Iowa—What would you create if you had the tools, resources and expert guidance to bring your idea to life?

Dupaco Credit Union and Key City Creative Center (KCCC) are partnering to offer the new Dream to Reality: Maker Mentorship Program, a unique opportunity designed to help one local maker turn a creative vision into a finished project.

One participant will be selected to receive personalized, one-on-one mentorship from KCCC experts, access to makerspace equipment and resources, and project materials needed to bring their idea from concept to completion.

Whether the winning idea involves woodworking, metal fabrication, 3D printing, ceramics, textiles or another creative pursuit, the program is designed to provide hands-on support throughout the creative process.

"At Dupaco, we're committed to helping people build the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to pursue their goals,” said Joe Hearn, president and CEO of Dupaco Credit Union. “Through the Dream to Reality: Maker Mentorship Program, we're investing in an individual's creative potential while providing hands-on learning opportunities that can inspire personal growth and even future entrepreneurial endeavors."

The selected participant will work alongside KCCC mentors from January through June 2027, developing new skills, overcoming challenges and creating a project they can be proud of.

Located in Dubuque, KCCC is a collaborative makerspace that empowers individuals to create, learn and innovate through access to specialized equipment, educational opportunities and expert guidance.

"We're excited to partner with Dupaco on a program that removes barriers and gives someone the opportunity to pursue a project they've always wanted to create," said Eric Ethier, KCCC board president. "This experience is about more than making something. It's about learning new skills, building confidence and discovering what's possible with the right support."

As part of the program, the selected participant’s journey will be shared on social media, allowing the community to follow the project from inspiration to completion.

The Dream to Reality: Maker Mentorship Program is open to makers, artists, hobbyists, aspiring entrepreneurs and other creative individuals with a compelling idea, a willingness to learn and a commitment to completing their project.

Applications are being accepted now through Nov. 11, 2026. To learn more and apply, visit dupaco.com/KCCC. 

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ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION:
Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by 10 Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 180,000 with assets exceeding $3.6 billion. It has over 600 employees and 22 branch office locations. Learn more at www.dupaco.com.