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Growth and diversification: the potential impact of the MAKERS Act related to STEM education

During the first week of the current session of Congress, there's something positive in the works.


And it's coming from a bipartisan (meaning both Democrats and Republicans working together) perspective to have a positive impact on developing a STEM-capable workforce (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).


On Friday, January 24th (2025), the media (ourselves included) are notified of the efforts of Congressman David Scott (GA-13) along with Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) regarding the reintroduction of the MAKERS Act (Making Advances Kinetic, Education, Research, and Skills). With a larger focus on providing innovative approaches given the current economic and educational landscape, the goal is via the National Science Foundation (or NSF), research grants would be provided to key educational institutions with priority given to the following:


  • Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU's).

  • Minority Serving Institutions (MSI's).

  • Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI')


Said funding would be utilized for purchasing technologies and equipment (examples include 3d printers, digital production equipment, and related technology) for outfitting and updating.



As part of his remarks, Congressman Scott is quoted by saying, "Creating the next generation of STEM leaders is paramount to our nation's future; the goal is to work together to learn, collaborate, and share these experiences. Most importantly, the MAKERS Act will allow academic institutions to facilitate the exploration, inventiveness, and skillset of their brightest students".


"It is critical we support funding to our community colleges and educational institutions to not only enhance their facilities with cutting-edge technology, but cultivate a highly skilled STEM workforce for the future", notes Congressman Fitzpatrick as part of his remarks.


"As a former teacher, I have seen the power of coupling talent with opportunity. Connecting underserved communities with funding from the National Science Foundation will ensure that diverse and highly skilled students can be active in science and technology industries", adds Congressman Takano as part of his remarks.


Given the call for investment in said communities (as based on NSF research, Hispanic/Latino workers make up 18 of the US workforce, but 14% of STEM workers; for Black/African-Americans, they make up 12% of the working population, but only 9% of STEM workers), this collaborative effort can provide a means of continued investment and engagement in this key field.


In working collaboratively and creatively, this could provide a template for related work and beyond.





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