MAKERS Act

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IntroducedPassed one chamberPassed both chambersBecame law (gold)Resolution agreed to (full, dark)Failed or vetoed (gray)

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Not yet voted on. This bill is still a proposal: it hasn't reached a floor vote, and its text can change in committee or on the floor before any vote.

D ScottSponsor

11 cosponsors · 10 D, 1 R

8 signed on when it was introduced; the rest joined later. Cosponsors who withdrew aren't shown.

Making Advances Kinetic Education, Research, and Skills Act or the MAKERS Act

What it does: CRS summary · Introduced in House · Jan 28, 2025

Making Advances Kinetic Education, Research, and Skills Act or the MAKERS Act

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, 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.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov

About this bill and sources

Official title: MAKERS Act

Also known as: Making Advances Kinetic Education, Research, and Skills Act

Latest action (Jan 28, 2025): Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications · Origin: House · Introduced: Jan 28, 2025

Official page on Congress.gov · Bill text (GovInfo) · Status record (XML)

No recorded floor vote found.