The new MakerBot Gives Back Initiative underscores a long-standing dedication to supporting STEM education and student development by providing a holistic ecosystem of 3D printing tools and resources to schools, educators, and students.

UltiMaker, a global leader in desktop 3D printing, announced today the MakerBot Gives Back Initiative, a major pledge to provide $500,000 worth of 3D printing resources to educators, students, schools, and STEM organizations across North and South Americas. This initiative reflects MakerBot's ongoing commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators by providing access to technologies that will shape the future of innovation and design thinking.

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 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. Beyond in-kind donations, MakerBot will also provide support through a host of new programs, including new MakerBot grants, key partnerships, student scholarships, and more.

"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. "For nearly 15 years, we have worked closely with educators to shape and refine our 3D printers and resources so that they fit the needs of the teacher and the classroom. Through our new initiative, we are expanding access to 3D printing resources to more educators and students to help them take classroom learning to the next level."

Throughout 2025, UltiMaker will introduce a range of grants, teacher training programs, and strategic partnerships to drive STEM education forward. 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. Many communities and schools lack the funding and resources to introduce advanced technologies like 3D printing to students. The MakerBot Gives Back Initiative was designed to bridge this gap and ensure that more students from diverse backgrounds have access to tools needed to unlock new opportunities.

"At UltiMaker, we are deeply committed to ensuring that students are not just passive users of technology but active creators of the future," said Dottie Stewart, VP of Sales Americas at UltiMaker. "As a newly unified company, our mission is to not only provide access to technology but to ensure it is used effectively in the classroom. By investing in design thinking and empowering educators, we are laying the foundation for students to become the problem solvers, engineers, and innovators for the companies of tomorrow."

Learn more about this initiative at https://learn.makerbot.com/MakerBotGivesBackInitiative.html.

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.

About UltiMaker
UltiMaker is a global leader in 3D printing, focused on shaping the future of manufacturing, product development, and education. With a wide range of cutting-edge 3D printing solutions, including the popular S-, Factor- and Method series, one of the widest portfolios of 3D printing materials on the market, and leading 3D printing software platforms-Cura and Digital Factory, UltiMaker is paving the way for innovation across industries. Visit www.ultimaker.com.

Under UltiMaker, MakerBot is the only 3D printing brand dedicated solely to education, offering the most comprehensive ecosystem tailored for classroom learning, educational advancement, and skills development. For over a decade, MakerBot has collaborated with educators to transform classrooms and STEM curricula through 3D printing. Beyond hardware, MakerBot's commitment to education is further demonstrated by its extensive 3D printing resources, including ISTE-aligned training programs, curriculum development and design thinking courses, funding guides, tutorials, and educational webinars, professional development, an active and supportive community, hundreds of lesson plans, and more. Visit www.makerbot.com.