MAKERS Act

This bill would have the National Science Foundation give grants to colleges and universities to grow and study “makerspaces”—community spaces with tools and tech where people can learn, build skills, and even launch early business ideas. The goal is to boost STEM learning, teamwork, and job skills across communities, including adults and students, and to build a stronger workforce. It also supports research on what works in makerspaces and shares best practices nationally .

Grant money could pay for research on makerspace impact, equipment, and other activities the NSF finds appropriate. When choosing winners, the NSF would give priority to community colleges; minority-serving institutions (including HBCUs); partnerships with workforce development groups, high-need school systems, or nonprofit/academic makerspaces; and programs serving rural communities. Funds generally can’t be used to construct new buildings unless needed for safety or equipment use. The NSF may also offer technical help to applicants and grantees.

Key points

• Who is affected: Students, adult learners, and entrepreneurs using makerspaces; community colleges; HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions; rural communities; workforce training partners; and high-need school systems .
• What changes: More NSF grant funding for makerspace research and equipment, clear priorities for who gets funded first, limits on using funds for building construction, and added technical support from NSF.