This bill directs the National Science Foundation to award grants for research on makerspaces at colleges and universities. Makerspaces are community workshops with tools and technology for learning, workforce training, and early-stage business ventures. Priority goes to community colleges, minority-serving institutions, and partnerships with workforce development organizations.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill directs the National Science Foundation to award grants for research on makerspaces at colleges and universities. Makerspaces are community workshops with tools and technology for learning, workforce training, and early-stage business ventures. Priority goes to community colleges, minority-serving institutions, and partnerships with workforce development organizations.
Last updated: 1/5/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Making Advances Kinetic Education, Research, and Skills Act or the MAKERS Act</strong></p><p>This 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, <em>makerspaces</em> 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Creates NSF grants for makerspace research and development
Prioritizes community colleges and minority-serving institutions
Supports STEM education through hands-on learning
Encourages partnerships with workforce development entities
Studies effectiveness of makerspaces for student engagement
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Colleges would receive federal support to study and develop makerspaces that provide hands-on STEM learning. Community colleges and underserved institutions get priority, potentially expanding access to these facilities. Students and entrepreneurs would benefit from more makerspace opportunities.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Science, Technology, Communications
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
812, 119th Congress (2025). "MAKERS Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-812
