Letter from Our Director, Gary Duquette

Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Community Members,

As I sit down to write this, I am struck by how the Wonder Institute has evolved from a spark of an idea into a vital piece of civic infrastructure for Jackson Hole. Looking back on the past two years, I am filled with gratitude.

What began as a dream has blossomed into a vibrant hub where curiosity has finally found a home.

In a place defined by natural beauty and an independent spirit, we recognized a quiet but growing disconnection. Too much of life happens through screens, and many in our community lack the chance to solve real problems with their own hands. We envisioned a space that would bridge these gaps, and today I can confidently say we are achieving that vision by democratizing access to innovation tools.

Our work is no longer just a series of projects; it is a model for integrated impact designed to create lasting systems change in our valley. We have organized this mission into pillars that ensure every person has a real path forward:

The Core Pillars

Having successfully navigated our initial pilot phase, the Institute is now prepared to scale its community impact by organizing its operations across three interconnected strategic pillars:

Wonder Labs: These serve as inclusive, community-based maker spaces—including our primary manufacturing hubs and public library partnerships. Here, individuals gather to learn through direct fabrication, which naturally stimulates intellectual curiosity and creative confidence.
Wonder Learn: This initiative integrates the practical arts and project-based learning directly into K–12 curricula and adult learning. By providing real-world, hands-on projects, we transform our classrooms into dynamic, active learning environments.
Wonder Launch: This pillar acts as our strategic accelerator for the future, bridging the gap between education and economic reality. It empowers local makers, students, and entrepreneurs by providing the advanced prototyping tools, industry mentorship, and career pathways necessary to launch successful ventures and technical careers.

Grounded in our foundational philosophy of "Open Access," the Wonder Institute continues to grow into a highly structured, self-sustaining organization. By balancing earned revenue streams with strategic philanthropy, we are equipped to address the region's expanding demand for technical trades, foster deep social cohesion, and establish a replicable national model for modern practical arts education.

Our collaborations reflect what is possible when we prioritize community-led solutions. Whether it is working with Wyoming Indian High School on robotics and NASA HUNCH programming or partnering with the Teton Raptor Center to connect making with environmental education, these are reflections of our collective potential.

As we look ahead, we are just beginning to scale our impact. Our "opportunity filter" remains simple: Does it involve making? Does it serve the Jackson Hole community? And does it spark the joy of creation?

We invite you to help us build what school should be. Whether you support a Big Build to fund our new Education Center at South Park Loop or contribute as a Studio Champion, your investment ensures that talent can grow here in Jackson, not just visit.

Thank you for believing that wonder is not a distant adventure, but something we create together through skill, purpose, and belonging.

With sincere gratitude,

Gary Duquette, Director, Wonder Institute