Georgia Reps. David Scott, D-GA, and Drew Ferguson, R-GA, have again introduced the MAKERS Act in the U.S. House, an attempt to diversify and expand STEM education with the assistance of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other education partners. H.R. 2475 is the latest iteration of the MAKERS Act – the Making Advances Kinetic, Education, Research and Skills, a bill dating back a few sessions that Scott, Ferguson and their other legislative colleagues continue to support.
“From developing a prototype to inventing the next new piece of technology, makerspaces allow students to experiment with hands-on equipment while learning the skills needed to excel in the STEM workforce,” said Scott. “With this legislation, students will be able to learn a concept in the classroom and then put that concept to use in their schools’ makerspace, helping the student master the material from start to finish. I’m proud that my bipartisan bill embraces inclusion and hones in on diversifying the STEM field.”
Scott and Ferguson are joined by Reps. Mark Takano, D-CA, and Brian Fitzpatrick, R-PA, in sponsoring the bill. The act would direct the NSF to award research grants, prioritizing Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and community colleges. These grants would go towards purchasing technologies and equipment to allow students to use innovative tools such as 3D printers, sewing machines, digital production equipment and more.
“Our students must be prepared to succeed in the STEM-capable careers of tomorrow. But too often the educational resources students need to enter these fields aren’t as easily accessible by underrepresented communities,” said Rep. Ferguson. “We should be ensuring that students from every community and walk of life have the opportunity to succeed in the 21st century job market. That’s why I’m proud to join Congressman Scott to introduce the MAKERS Act to provide the hard and soft skills students need to enter STEM careers. The MAKERS Act is a direct investment in the future of countless students in rural communities, community colleges and historically black colleges and universities across the United States.”
The bill is an attempt to fill the gap on the latest technology for the schools in question. Operating on tight budgets, these schools are often trying to catch up on the equipment from years ago, despite technological advancements, like 3D printing, raising the bar of what is possible or what can help students get ahead.
As Takano noted in his statement, there is a “movement” now for “makers” and this bill can help those with limited resources to join in. “The maker movement is rapidly growing, and it’s important that we invest in the people and spaces that will be at the center of the creativity and forward-thinking innovation that will propel our economy and our technology into the 21st century. We must take these kinds of steps to assist in the formation of a truly STEAM-capable workforce,” said Takano.
