The Washington College Innovation Hub seeks to address a significant gap in training and economic development in the Upper Eastern Shore community through skilled trades training and entrepreneurship support.
Washington College is revitalizing a portion of the historic Dixon Valve property on High Street in Chestertown, creating a collaborative space for students, entrepreneurs, and community members to engage, work together, innovate and grow as makers and entrepreneurs.
The Innovation Plant, a long-awaited project that will expand the capabilities and reach of the College’s current maker and entrepreneurship initiatives, aims to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. It will provide a community-facing space for individuals to develop new ideas, build prototypes, and potentially launch small businesses. The project aligns with the Ratcliffe Foundation’s mission of expanding economic opportunities and job creation in local communities.
Washington College President Mike Sosulski shared his vision to “transform a portion of what was a historic but long unused property into a vibrant hub of innovation and creativity for Kent County and the Eastern Shore. Continuing to invest in and expand the opportunities available for our community and our students remains a priority for Washington College.”
The Innovation Plant will offer a variety of resources, including a mobile innovation lab, community engagement opportunities, and paid internships for students. The mobile lab will serve as a free tool-lending library and classroom, providing basic carpentry, construction and yard working tools to community, campus, and nonprofit participants to be used for home improvement, neighborhood beautification, and small business projects. The Innovation Plant will provide valuable hands-on experience and support for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators throughout the Upper Eastern Shore region.
Chestertown Mayor David Foster called the planned space a “game changer for the community” at the project’s outset. “It will attract talented individuals, stimulate economic growth, and enhance our reputation as a center for innovation,” he said.
The Dixon Valve property has a rich history, having served as a manufacturing facility for many years. By repurposing part of this historic site, which was also once home to the Vita Foods factory and warehouse, Washington College is preserving a piece of Chestertown’s heritage while creating a space that will benefit future generations.