Plain Language Summary
# MAKERS Act Summary **What It Does:** The MAKERS Act would authorize the National Science Foundation (NSF) to distribute competitive grants to colleges and universities for research and development of "makerspaces"—community workshops where people can access tools, technology, and training to learn skills, start businesses, or pursue STEM education. The bill focuses on studying how effective these spaces are at getting students and communities interested in science, technology, engineering, and math. **Who It Affects:** The bill prioritizes funding for community colleges and minority-serving institutions, as well as schools partnering with workforce training programs, underserved school districts, or nonprofit maker organizations.
This would benefit students, entrepreneurs, and communities looking to build technical skills and create educational opportunities outside traditional classrooms. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 812) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative David Scott (D-GA) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Making Advances Kinetic Education, Research, and Skills Act or the MAKERS ActThis bill requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award competitive grants to institutions of higher education to support research and development related to makerspaces. Under the bill, makerspaces are defined as community spaces that provide learners and entrepreneurs with tools, technology, and knowledge, and support educational opportunities for personal growth, workforce training, and early-stage business ventures.Grant funds may be used to support research on the effectiveness of makerspaces in engaging students and communities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), among other functions.In awarding grants, the NSF must prioritize certain applicants, including (1) community colleges and minority-serving institutions; and (2) institutions that apply in partnership with workforce development entities, high-need local educational agencies, or independent nonprofit or academic makerspaces.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.