Makerbot Replicator 3D Printers for Teachers, Only $98 – Thanks Autodesk

In an almost unbelievable promotion by Autodesk, with the help of Donorschoose.org, and of course Makerbot, teachers around the country have the opportunity to get a Makerbot Replicator for just $98, or even free.

Autodesk quietly announced the program in conjunction with DonorsChoose last week.  However, it wasn’t until it was posted at a Google Group, that we were made aware of this awesome deal. Back in November of last year, Makerbot announced a partnership with Donorschoose, a donation based crowdfunding platform, in which they too, offered to fund teacher’s 3D printers down to the $98 level, at which point they could rely on friends, families, and random good hearted people to contribute the rest of the funding. Within a day Makerbot announced that 239 projects were funded, meaning 239 teachers now have a 3D printer coming to their classrooms. The 3D printers, which have been practically given away, retail for over $2400 a piece.

The offer had since been scaled back to just Connecticut, as Donorschoose works with Makerbot to raise further funding. Not to worry though, as Autodesk has taken over the reigns, and it appears that they will honor projects throughout the United States for any teacher teaching at a public school (sorry private school teachers). The recent update on the DonorsChoose website states the following:

Autodesk is bringing the Almost Home offer to projects from their home state of California! The offer will last until funds are fully spent on eligible projects. Scroll down to learn how you can request a MakerBot Academy 3D Printing Bundle.

Although the updates states that it’s for California projects only, a further email that was received from a teacher outside the state indicated that they will also consider projects elsewhere. If you are outside of California, you can simply fill this form out in addition to these other steps required below:

If you are a teacher interested in this amazing offer, here is how you can go about getting starter:

1) Create an account at DonorsChoose.org/teachers, or sign in if you’ve used DonorsChoose.org in the past.
2) Upload a photo to represent your classroom – it does not need to include your students!
3) Click on “Create a project” and the website will walk you through the steps to complete your request
– In step 4, go shopping in the MakerBot store, where you’ll find the MakerBot Academy Bundle. To qualify for any future Almost Home funding from MakerBot, do not include any additional items in your project.
– In steps 5-8, tell potential supporters why you want to bring 3D printing to your school and describe the impact this technology could have on your students
4)Once you submit your project, teacher volunteers will review it and post it on DonorsChoose.org within a few days.

If your project for a MakerBot Academy 3D Printing Bundle is funded, MakerBot will deliver the bundle to your classroom and provide curriculum and technical support so you can bring 3D printing to life in your classroom.

When the promotion launched back in November, many skeptics claimed that this was just a small way for Makerbot to publicize themselves, however as time progressed, and hundreds of printers worth close to $1 million have been given away to classrooms across the country, this has turned out be an amazingly productive publicity stunt. The benefits that students will receive from these printers have us and the education system of the country extremely excited, and optimistic for the future.

Discuss this offer here:  https://3dprintboard.com/showthread.php?1601-AutoDesk-Extends-98-3D-printer-Offers-For-Teachers