The MakerBot Gives Back Initiative supports STEM education with 3D printing tools for schools and students.
NEW YORK, NY, Feb 28, 2025 – UltiMaker announced the MakerBot Gives Back Initiative, pledging $500K in 3D printing resources for educators, students, schools, and STEM organizations across North and South America. The initiative aims to expand access to 3D printing technology for education and innovation.
The $500K MakerBot Gives Back Initiative is part of UltiMaker’s effort to support STEM education, particularly for students in schools with limited access to educational technology. The MakerBot Gives Back Initiative will offer 3D printers and materials, educator training and certification programs, and classroom resources to help educators integrate 3D printing into their curricula. In addition to in-kind donations, MakerBot will offer grants, partnerships, and scholarships.
In 2025, UltiMaker will offer grants, teacher training programs, and partnerships to support STEM education. Educators, schools, and organizations will have ongoing access to funding and resources to integrate 3D printing into classrooms. This includes:
- MakerBot Education Grants: MakerBot will offer new grant opportunities to educators, schools, and districts committed to fostering problem-solving through design thinking. Grants will be designed specifically to support educators in kickstarting or expanding 3D printing programs that support students in developing problem-solving and technological skills. Grants will be awarded to educators, schools, and districts that demonstrate a strong vision for integrating 3D printing as a tool for all students to engage in hands-on, real-world learning.
- In-kind Donations:Â Part of the programs will be providing in-kind donations and support for after school programs, STEM organizations, robotics programs, and other supplementary agencies that support uplifting STEM in education.
- MakerBot Scholarship:Â MakerBot will partner with educational institutions and STEM organizations to extend the reach of this initiative and have a wider impact on students and communities around the world. The first partnership will be on the MakerBot Scholarship, a new program that provides financial assistance to students pursuing careers in engineering, manufacturing, and additive manufacturing.
Through the MakerBot Grants program, recipients will have access to apply for various resources to successfully implement 3D printing in education. This includes MakerBot Sketch Sprint 3D printers, certification and training, professional development opportunities, filament, and replacement parts that can be accessed by schools, afterschool programs, robotics clubs, and STEM organizations.
Also available is the latest MakerBot Grant Guide, which is updated annually. This comprehensive guide is available for educators, offering access to over 40 additional classroom funding opportunities to further STEM programs.
Integrating 3D printing and design thinking into classrooms can help prepare students for careers in engineering, manufacturing, and additive manufacturing. This aims to enhance STEM learning and introduce students to engineering and manufacturing concepts. Many communities and schools lack the funding and resources to introduce advanced technologies like 3D printing to students. The MakerBot Gives Back Initiative aims to provide more students with access to 3D printing tools for STEM education.
How can schools and educators apply?
Applications for the grant program will open early spring 2025. Schools, organizations, and educators interested in receiving 3D printing resources can submit a request through the application page.
For more information, visit ultimaker.com.
