Ferguson Advocates To Increase Opportunities In Rural, Undeserved Communities

Statement

Congressman Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.) recently joined Congressmen David Scott (D-Ga.) and Mark Takano (D-Calif.) to introduce the Making Advances Kinetic Education, Research, and Skills Act or the MAKERS Act.

The MAKERS Act would direct the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award competitive grants to institutions of higher education to research or develop makerspaces throughout the United States, prioritizing students in rural communities, community colleges and historically black colleges and universities. Makerspaces are local incubator spaces that provide the necessary services for individuals to begin early stage entrepreneurial business ventures.

"Our students must be prepared to succeed in the STEM-capable careers of tomorrow. But too often the educational resources students need to enter these fields aren't as easily accessible by underrepresented communities," said Ferguson. "We should be ensuring that students from every community and walk of life have the opportunity to succeed in the 21st century job market. That's why I'm proud to join Congressman Scott to introduce the MAKERS Act to provide the hard and soft skills students need to enter STEM careers. The MAKERS Act is a direct investment in the future of countless students in rural communities, community colleges and historically black colleges and universities across the United States."

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