MakerBot Gives Back Initiative by UltiMaker, a top-tier name in desktop 3D printing, has pledged $500,000 worth of 3D printing resources to schools, teachers, students, and STEM organizations of North and South America. This project’s mission is to make cutting-edge technology more accessible, especially for disadvantaged communities, fostering forward-thinking, hands-on learning in classrooms.
As part of this program, MakerBot will provide 3D printing devices and materials, teacher training, and classroom resources to facilitate integrating 3D innovation into school curricula. The initiative also envisions new grants, scholarships, and strategic partnerships to further support educators and students in developing and honing essential skills – from technological literacy to creative design thinking to problem-solving.
“As we continue to see new technologies emerge, future generations will have to develop skills that allow them to adapt,” said Andrea Zermeño, UltiMaker’s manager in MakerBot Education. “We believe all students should have equitable access to technologies that enable success in and out of the classroom.”
The project includes a number of key efforts, such as funding for educational institutions and professionals to launch or expand 3D printing programs, in-kind donations to support afterschool STEM programs and robotics teams, and financial aid for students aspiring to careers in engineering and manufacturing.
“At UltiMaker, we are deeply committed to ensuring students are not just passive users of technology but active creators of the future,” added Dottie Stewart, VP of Sales Americas at UltiMaker.
If you know a passionate teacher with a love for innovation or a student dreaming to work in 3D printing, do encourage them to check out MakerBot Gives Back Initiative: applications for grants open in early Spring 2025.
