Supporting equity in makerspaces

Makerspaces are informal multipurpose sites designed for collaborative hands-on learning and creative production, with or without tools. These innovative learning spaces offer the opportunity to share materials, skills and ideas to address technological, personal, and societal goals. Evidence suggests that these rapidly proliferating spaces can provide ideal settings for growing STEM participation – but to date this potential remains largely unrealised among unsupported communities. Yet, these spaces have the potential to offer valuable opportunities to underserved and underrepresented young people who are typically marginalised from mainstream engineering, science and technology.