Bill · H.R. 812· House(119-HR-812)
MAKERS Act
- Introduced
- 1/28/2025
- Last activity
- 1/28/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Sponsored by
- David Scott
- Cosponsors
- - 10 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The MAKERS Act directs the Director of the National Science Foundation to award competitive grants for research and the development of makerspaces. These makerspaces are intended to help build a STEM-capable workforce by engaging populations in community colleges and community environments. The bill aims to promote technical, problem-solving, and collaborative skills. Grants can be used for research on makerspace effectiveness, equipment, and other appropriate activities. Priority is given to partnerships involving workforce development components, high-need education agencies, or minority-serving institutions.
Yes· 3 of 13
Would students be better off under this?+5
The bill provides resources for STEM learning and workforce preparedness through community colleges and makerspaces.
Does this put more money into scientific research?+5
The bill directs the NSF to award competitive grants for research on makerspace effectiveness and development.
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?+4
The bill supports workforce training and community college engagement which benefits young adults.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Workforce Preparation: The Act aims to develop a STEM-capable workforce by promoting desirable technical and soft skills like problem-solving and teamwork (Section 3).
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Engagement in STEM: Makerspaces can engage and motivate both children and adults in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Section 2).
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Support for Underrepresented Populations: The bill notes that underrepresented populations often find better success in informal and out-of-school STEM programs (Section 2).
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Access to Resources: Makerspaces provide access to tools, technology, and knowledge for learners and entrepreneurs (Section 4).
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Economic and Personal Growth: Makerspaces support the development of educational opportunities for personal growth, workforce training, and early stage business ventures (Section 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Construction Limitations: Funds from the grants may not be used for the construction of a physical building or facility to hold a makerspace, unless the Director determines it is necessary for safety or equipment use (Section 5(d)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+5Good For African Americans+4Good For Young Adults+4Good For Children+3Good For Hispanic Americans+3Good For Low Income Households+3Good For Rural Residents+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+5Increases Public School Funding+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+3Increases Job Creation+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+4
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+3
- 3/19/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/7/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/4/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/28/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 8 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
André CarsonDemocrat · Indiana
Suzan DelBeneDemocrat · Washington
Bill FosterDemocrat · Illinois
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Valerie FousheeDemocrat · North Carolina
Henry JohnsonDemocrat · Georgia
Jonathan JacksonDemocrat · Illinois
Deborah RossDemocrat · North Carolina
Mark TakanoDemocrat · California
Shri ThanedarDemocrat · Michigan
Nydia VelázquezDemocrat · New York