EDUCATION
The first step in a maker’s journey.
This is the moment when curiosity begins to grow into capability, when makers develop confidence, experiment with new tools, and build essential skills at their own pace. By strengthening their personal creative abilities, makers become more empowered and prepared to step into collaborative spaces, contribute to group projects, and eventually inspire others through their expanding knowledge and experience.
Photo credit: Carlos Avendaño
Youth Programs Comics and Characters class. Photo by Damian Hickey
Photo Credit: Visual Arts Denison.edu
Photo credit: Carlos Avendaño
An educational initiative that provides scholarships, workshops, and mentorship opportunities for students.
Description
The Joann Creative Scholars Program supports emerging artists and designers through a mix of financial aid, project-based grants, and professional mentorship.
Mission Focus
The Joann Creative Scholars Program reinforces Joann’s mission to empower makers with the resources they need, ensuring their creative drive never falters because every act of creation sparks the innovation that shapes tomorrow by investing in creative education. Through scholarships, mentorship, and access to essential tools, the program supports emerging makers as they build foundational skills and pursue their creative goals.
Similar To
Adobe Creative Residency, Vans Checkerboard Fund, Michaels Craft Education Foundation
Differentiators
Unlike traditional scholarship programs, Joann Creative Scholars integrates hands-on learning with mentorship and material access—helping students not only afford education but also experience the full creative process from concept to creation.
Image created by Leti Ortiz using Adobe Firefly and Adobe Photoshop.
Photo Credit: Kaitlyn Rae Fraser Art
Photo credit: ReClaim it Portland Materials Donations - Art Supplies
Image created by Leti Ortiz using Adobe Firefly and Adobe Photoshop.
A community-driven platform for sharing, trading, and donating surplus craft and fabric materials.
Description
The Joann Materials Exchange Hub allows makers to give unused supplies a second life by connecting them with others who need them.
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Mission Focus
The Joann Materials Exchange Hub reinforces Joann’s mission to empower makers with the resources they need, ensuring their creative drive never falters because every act of creation sparks the innovation that shapes tomorrow by promoting mindful making and material sharing. By giving unused supplies a second life, the platform removes barriers to creativity, encourages sustainable practices, and fosters a culture of generosity within the maker community.
Similar To
Freecycle, Buy Nothing Project, Craft ReStore
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Differentiators
Unlike donation-only programs, the Exchange Hub blends sustainability with creativity—providing both physical spaces and digital tools for makers to share, trade, and connect, turning leftover materials into new possibilities.
Image created by Leti Ortiz using Adobe Firefly, Midjourney and Adobe Photoshop.
Image created by Leti Ortiz using Adobe Firefly, Midjourney and Adobe Photoshop.
Image created by Leti Ortiz using Adobe Firefly, Midjourney and Adobe Photoshop.
A hands-on learning program that helps people build confidence and creativity through guided craft kits and digital project tutorials.
Description
Create-A-Project connects making with learning through customizable Project-in-a-Box sets and digital pattern subscriptions. Each project provides guided materials and tutorials that help makers of all levels learn new skills,
gain confidence, and create something uniquely their own.
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Mission Focus
Create-A-Project reinforces Joann’s mission to empower makers with the resources they need, ensuring their creative drive never falters because every act of creation sparks the innovation that shapes tomorrow. By blending
hands-on learning with accessible materials and guided instruction, it inspires confidence, nurtures skill development, and transforms every project into an opportunity for growth and creative discovery.
Similar To
Pop Shop America, Creativebug
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Differentiators
Unlike Creativebug and Pop Shop America, Joann stands out by offering fully customizable projects for all skill levels, with higher-tier subscriptions providing expert tutorials and personalized mentorship from professional artisans.