Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB812

Introduced
1/28/25  

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, HB812 would empower the National Science Foundation (NSF) to provide competitive grants to institutions of higher education and community organizations for the research and establishment of makerspaces. The bill's goal is to bolster the STEM workforce by encouraging community colleges and minority-serving institutions to participate actively in innovation and education. Through partnerships and grant funding, communities would aim to support local economic development and improve educational outcomes in STEM disciplines.

Summary

House Bill 812, titled the 'Making Advances Kinetic Education, Research, and Skills Act' or 'MAKERS Act', seeks to enhance the development and support of makerspaces throughout the United States. As a form of community space, makerspaces provide access to tools, technologies, and a collaborative environment aimed at fostering skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The bill emphasizes the importance of these spaces in engaging individuals, particularly underrepresented populations, in the STEM fields and promoting essential technical and soft skills that align with employer needs.

Contention

While the bill garners support for its intention to develop a labor force skilled in technology and innovation, it may raise concerns regarding the equitable allocation of resources and the effectiveness of makerspaces in underperforming areas. There is a potential debate about how funding will be prioritized, particularly which institutions or community entities receive grants. Critics might argue about the challenges in measuring the success of makerspaces or the longitudinal impact on STEM engagement and career readiness, especially for populations that have historically been marginalized in the technology sector.

Congress_id

119-HR-812

Policy_area

Science, Technology, Communications

Introduced_date

2025-01-28

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB2475

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

US HB2457

To establish a National Science Foundation grant program to provide opportunities for and strengthen research capacity at institutions of higher education to stimulate sustainable improvement in existing research and development at such institutions, and for other purposes.

US HB102

Space Research Innovation Act This bill directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to establish a university-affiliated research center to fund analyses and engineering support related to cis-lunar and deep-space missions and interplanetary research. Entities eligible to participate in the center include institutions of higher education, operators of federally funded research and development centers, and nonprofit research institutions.

US HB10374

To require the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop a consistent set of policy guidelines for Federal research agencies to address mental health and mentoring of graduate researchers and postdoctoral researchers, and for other purposes.

US HB7687

NASA SPREES Act NASA Streamlining Partnerships for Research and Education for Engineering and Science Act

US HB10518

To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide grants to local educational agencies to encourage girls and underrepresented minorities to pursue studies and careers in STEM fields.

US HB9936

To amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 with respect to workforce development, and for other purposes.

US SR454

A resolution designating November 8, 2023, as "National Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Day" and celebrating the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in education and the workforce in the United States.

US HB302

Energy Cybersecurity University Leadership Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish an Energy Cybersecurity University Leadership Program. Under the program, DOE must provide financial assistance to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers pursuing a course of study that integrates cybersecurity competencies within disciplines associated with energy infrastructure needs. In addition, DOE must provide the students and researchers supported under the program with research and training experiences at its National Laboratories and utilities.

US SB5476

A bill to provide for Department of Energy and National Science Foundation research and development coordination, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

MD SB453

Economic Development – Maryland Makerspace Initiative Program

US HB2475

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

CT SB01179

An Act Establishing The Connecticut Community Makerspace Initiative Program.

FL H4131

Opa-locka Innovation Makerspace Facility

VA SR162

Commending Rachel Grover.

VA SR163

Commending Asha-Jyothi.

HI HB575

Relating To Capital Improvement Projects For The Benefit Of The Thirty-second Representative District.

TX HB1530

Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education.