(UltiMaker: New York)--UltiMaker, a global leader in desktop 3D printing, has announced 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 America. 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 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 offers 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.

Andrea Zermeño, manager of MakerBot education at UltiMaker, says, “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. For nearly 15 years, we have worked closely with educators to shape and refine our 3D printers and resources so 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.”

The MakerBot Gives Back Initiative is a major pledge to provide $500,000 worth of 3D printing resources to educators, students, schools, and STEM organizations across North and South America, underscoring a long-standing commitment to support STEM education and student development.

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 that 3D printing remains a key tool for fostering the expansion of design thinking and meaningful classroom innovation, including the following.

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 kick-starting 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 of 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 effect 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 can 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, after-school programs, robotics clubs, and STEM organizations.

Also available is the latest MakerBot Grant Guide, updated annually. The comprehensive guide is available for educators, offering access to more than 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.

Dottie Stewart, vice president of Sales Americas at UltiMaker, says, “At UltiMaker, we are deeply committed to ensuring that students are not just passive users of technology but active creators of the future. As a newly unified company, our mission is to not only provide access to technology but also 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 in early spring 2025. Schools, organizations, and educators interested in receiving 3D printing resources can submit a request through this application page.