Recently, making has gained traction as a promising method of cultivating STEAM-relevant student interests, identities, and learning. Though presented as a way to develop skills and interests pertinent to STEAM, traditional makerspaces present barriers to entry and have failed to engage students from diverse backgrounds. In this symposium, we present three projects focusing on bringing making to students who have been left behind both by traditional schooling practices and by the maker movement. Symposium discussions will focus on examining how emerging technologies can be leveraged to facilitate STEAM interests, engagement, and learning in all students.
