Innovation centers
Our center will resume regular hours for Fall 2025 beginning Monday, August 25, 2025. We are now located in the Learning Resource Center building, in Computer Commons A (LRC 520), Computer Commons B (LRC 530), and LRC 507. Scroll down to view our hours of operation.
Innovation Centers Mission Statement
Transformative Learning Experiences, Mentoring & Academic Support
The Innovation Centers—comprised of the STEM Innovation Center, Business Innovation
Center/Makerspace, and Literacy Innovation Center—are dedicated to enhancing student
academic success, experiential learning, and professional readiness. Through mentorship,
hands-on projects, and skill-building programs, we strive to bridge the gap between
classroom learning and real-world application. The Innovation Centers were funded
by the Department of Education HSI Title V funding (P031S200174).
Key Resources & Services Across All Innovation Centers
-
Student Academic Mentorship (Peer Academic Mentors, Writing Mentors, Math Mentors)
-
Tutoring (English, Math, Science, Languages (ESL, Spanish & ASL), and Engineering)
-
Peer-Assisted Study Sessions (PASS Leaders)
-
Student Software & Technology Assistance (PC Tech Navigators)
-
Virtual Reality & Experiential Learning Programs
-
Student Cultural Heritage & Transfer Field Trips
-
Makerspace (3D Printing, Fabrication, Woodworking, Drones, Coding, and more)
-
Innovation Excursions & Alternative Breaks
-
Faculty Professional Development (Data Summits, English Norming Sessions, STEM Articulation Workgroups)
-
PC/PAS/WIB of Tulare Community Job Fair
-
Rural Initiatives/PC Growing Futures Program
-
PC Writer & Poet Speaker Series & USDA/PC STEM Enrichment Speaker Series
-
Student Success Programs: MESA and Title V PASO Programs
Exclusive Services by Center
STEM Innovation Center:
-
Math Mentors, PC Tech Navigators, Science Peer Tutors, Engineering Peer Tutors
-
PASS Leaders (Science, Math, and Engineering)
-
Experiential Learning Program
-
USDA/PC STEM Enrichment Speaker Series
Business Innovation Center:
-
Makerspace
-
PC/PAS/WIB of Tulare Community Job Fair
Literacy Innovation Center:
-
Writing Mentors, English & Language Peer Tutors
-
PASS Leaders (English, ESL, ASL, Spanish)
-
Rural Initiatives/PC Growing Futures Program
-
PC Writer & Poet Speaker Series
Schedules for programs and services are available here.
Innovation Centers Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Makerspace closed
STEM Innovation Center (located in LRC 520)
Mission Statement
The mission of the STEM Innovation Center is to build STEM knowledge, interest, skills, and leadership by providing innovative high-quality STEM experiential learning and mentoring experiences. The STEM Innovation Center will serve as a project and career-based learning hub for students to gain immersive experiences from virtual reality to STEM in the field trips with industry partners and STEM faculty to build upon rigorous classroom learning. Services available: Math Mentors, Peer Academic Mentors, USDA-PC STEM Speaker Series, Virtual Reality Program, and STEM Internship Program.
Literacy Innovation Center (located: LRC 530)
Mission Statement
The mission of the Literacy Innovation Center is creative exploration in language, the arts, reading, and writing to empower students to discover new perspectives and develop crucial skills that builds upon rigorous classroom learning. The LIC will focus on developing and sustaining literacy programming that values the many ways individuals and communities engage with literacy in pursuit of their goals. Services available: Writing Mentors, Writing for the Performing Arts Workshop, Peer Academic Mentors, PC Writers and Poets Speaker Series, Language Assistants (ASL), PC Growing Futures (Rural Initiatives), and Virtual Reality Program.
Business Innovation Center (located in LRC 507)
Mission Statement
The mission of the Business Innovation Center is to create active learning experiences to inspire, educate, and transform the Porterville community into entrepreneurial thinkers and doers. The BIC is an innovation hub where ideas, technology, and people meet to build the future of the Porterville community. Students, faculty, staff, and community members will learn skills for them to create their own small business, learn about emerging technology through our Makerspace Lab, and engage in robust community education program. Services available: Makerspace Lab, small business coaching, financial literacy workshops, community education, career exploration, and job workshops by community partners.
Makerspace Lab (located in the Business Innovation Center)
Building the future, one piece at a time.
The Makerspace Lab is a space perfect for creative thinkers with innovative ideas that can be brought to life. Our current Dremel 3D printers are available for building physical models designed for all types of projects. The SOL 3D Scanner uses high-quality precision and detail to copy small physical items that can be printed into 3D models. Do you want a more hands-on experience? The MYNT3D Printing Pen “Pro” gives you all the control at your fingertips that will turn your ordinary drawings into 3D works of art!
*Innovation Centers made possible by HSI Title V P031S200174 Grant Funding.
