The Puma Makers is a group of students who assist teachers and students with operating tools in the makerspace. This year, as a result of the former Academic Technology Program Manager and founder of the program Jonathan Delgado leaving UPrep, the program ended. There is a lack of definite intent for the program to return. But the program may be returning by the second semester, according to Director of Innovation and Experiential Education Brian Gonzales.

The group was started to help students in the makerspace. 

“We saw that we had a lot of kids who really liked being in the makerspace and wanted to help other kids who maybe might be a little intimidated or don’t know how to use the technology,” Gonzales said.

Sophomore Max Weinstein, a member of Puma Makers last year, assisted students in the makerspace. 

“I had three people ask me for help the whole year,” Weinstein said. 

Another Puma Maker Ethan Francis had five people ask him for help last year.

“It wasn’t the best use of my time,” Francis said. 

The program entered a transitional period and has been discontinued with the hiring of a new Academic Technology Program Manager, June Peters in 2025. 

“I have many, many plans, and so that one [Puma Makers] is currently more of like a second priority. After I get a lot of other things working.”

This year, Peters aims to support more students in the makerspace, with Puma Makers as a potential tool for that. 

“I want the community to come to me, tell me what you want to make. Don’t feel intimidated by the presence of different types of people, because diversity in making can create so many cool things, and I want to be at the middle of that. I want the maker space to be for everyone,” Peters said.