Since 2008, 100 Women Strong has been granting donations to local nonprofits. This week, one of its recipients was Makersmiths in Leesburg.

Makersmiths received $4,000 to continue its efforts to help Loudoun County students learn how to prototype products and inventions with laser cutters, 3D printers, and more.

In March, a group of eight students competed in the Northern Virginia Kidwind Challenge and were awarded for their handmade wind turbines.

“The feeling of self confidence you get, the feeling of accomplishment you get; you can bring that into every other lesson that you have to learn — even on those Chromebooks in school,” said 100 Women Strong member Danielle Renken.

Renken says 100 Women Strong has donated nearly $2 million in its 10 years of existence.

Makersmiths will use the grant to purchase new laptops for their 3D printer and laser cutter software.