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My name is Alex and I am 13 years old. I would like to be a doctor some day; but college and medical schools are expensive, so when I was 11, I started my own business to help contribute to my college education.
I'm turning my hobby of woodworking into a business to help contribute to my college fund. I make custom pens in my dad's workshop at our home in North Carolina. I hand-turn the pens on a lathe from hardwoods and acrylics, polish them with a durable finish and assemble them with top-of-the-line pen components.
My parents purchase and donate all of my materials and supplies to me for my business. Their investment in my future allows me to deposit 100% of all my sales into my College Fund.
Together, my mom and I created this website to showcase and sell my pens. So, please take a look . . .
I think you will be pleasantly surprised to see the high level of craftsmanship and my attention to detail that I put into my work.
And in reply to all those who ask: "Yes, I do really make these pens myself!"
Check out my video "The Homework Ultimatum" on the Videos page. I think it turned out pretty cool and I had fun making it. My favorite things to do are woodworking, shooting and editing videos and playing video games.
Awards, Recognition & Milestones
February, 2010 
Alex and Pens for College give back. Alex proudly donates The Barrister made from Amboyna wood burl inlaid with a laminated Celtic Knot made of aluminum and Maple and accented with Sterling Silver plating.
The Arc of Wake County partners with people with developmental disabilities and their families to help them achieve their life goals.
February, 2010
Alex is invited by NC State University to present a presentation about Pens for College at The Institute of Emerging Issues Forum at the Raleigh Convention Center.
November, 2009
Alex is featured in WOOD Magazine's Newsletter
October, 2009
Alex wins The North Carolina Woodworker's 2010 Calendar contest in the pen division for his picture "A Signature Series of Pens". Alex's picture is featured for the month of January in their calander.
August, 2009
Alex and Pens for College are featured on WRAL TV's Tarheel Traveler !
June, 2009
Alex and Pens for College are featured in The
Southwest Wake News and The Cary News.
April, 2009
Alex entered the Klingspor Woodworking Extravaganza in Raleigh, North Carolina and placed 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Best in Show for the youth division.
March, 2009
Pensforcollege.com goes live!
October, 2008
Alex provided a pen demonstration on behalf of the North Carolina WoodWorker at the Klingspor Woodworking Extravaganza in Hickory, North Carolina.
Alex demonstrated how to make an inlaid Celtic knot pen to an outstanding response!
October, 2008
Alex produces his video "The Homework Ultimatum" for the PTA Reflections contest (see the Videos page).
October, 2008
Alex entered the North Carolina Woodworkers' calendar contest and won first prize in the pen division for his picture of his Series in Big Leaf Maple. Alex’s picture is featured for the month of March in the 2009 Calendar. It can also be viewed on their website: ncwoodworker.net.
July, 2008
Alex joins the International Association of Penturners.
May, 2008
Alex sells his first pen!
April, 2008
Alex entered the Klingspor Woodworking Extravaganza in Raleigh, North Carolina and placed 1st, 2nd, and Best in Show for the youth division.
March, 2008
Alex joins North Carolina Woodworker as its youngest member.
February, 2008
Alex turns his first pen and Pens for College is born.
December, 2007
Alex gets his first lathe for his 11th birthday.
November, 2007
Alex tries his hand at turning for the first time at a Woodworker's Supply Demo.