Stratasys subsidiary UltiMaker today announced the MakerBot Gives Back Initiative, a pledge to provide $500,000 worth of 3D printing resources to educators, students, schools, and STEM organizations across North and South Americas.
The $500,000 MakerBot Gives Back Initiative is part of UltiMaker’s broader effort to expand access to STEM education and learning opportunities for all students, particularly those in underserved communities, low-income schools, and students who have historically lacked access to advanced educational technology.
The program will offer 3D printers and materials, educator training and certification programs, and classroom resources to help educators integrate 3D printing into their curricula. Beyond in-kind donations, MakerBot will also provide support through a host of new programs, including new MakerBot grants, key partnerships, and student scholarships.
“As we continue to see new technologies emerge, future generations will have to develop skills that will allow them to adapt to changing environments. We believe that all students should have equitable access to technologies that will enable their success in and out of the classroom,” said Andrea Zermeño, Manager – MakerBot Education at UltiMaker.
Applications for the grant program will open early Spring 2025.
Throughout 2025, UltiMaker will introduce a range of grants, teacher training programs, and strategic partnerships. Educators, schools, and organizations will have continuous access to funding and resources, ensuring 3D printing remains a key tool for fostering the expansion of design thinking and meaningful classroom innovation, including, but not limited to:
- 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 equip students with critical skills like creativity, analytical thinking, resilience, empathy and technological literacy. 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: 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 for Future Innovators: 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 a comprehensive suite of 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 will not only enhance STEM learning, but also foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills that are essential for the workforce of tomorrow.
Stratasys acquired MakerBot in 2013 for $604 million.