Alfred University makes Newsweek’ s listing of ‘Top Maker Schools’

ALFRED, NY – Newsweek magazine has released its list of “Best Maker Schools 2021” and Alfred University is among the colleges and universities recognized. The list, released Monday, Aug. 30, features institutions of higher education from throughout the world.

Nancy Cooper, global editor in chief for Newsweek, said the non-ranked list was developed in collaboration with Make:, a popular do-it-yourself magazine. Alfred University is one of just 200 institutions worldwide to be included in the list.

“These are universities, community and junior colleges, vocational and trade schools with curricula that encourage learning by doing; are supported by educators committed to collaborative problem-solving; have well-developed makerspaces, labs, and studios; and which support diverse, interactive communities that engage in knowledge and skill sharing,” Cooper wrote in a letter announcing the list. “Our goal was to highlight institutions with innovative programs that demonstrate the ingenuity and community engagement that are hallmarks of the maker movement.”

The list was generated by results of a survey of an international community of educators, administrators, students and maker leaders, Cooper explained. To be considered for the list, recommended schools had to demonstrate excellence or competency in the following areas:

• Integrated learning-through-doing orientation
• Mentoring/guidance/coaching for making.
• Physical makerspaces/fabrication labs/workshops/studios
• Accessible spaces and tools that support independent, collaborative projects
• A diverse, active community of makers