Short title

This Act may be cited as the

Homeland Security Education Act

Findings and purpose

(a)

Findings

Congress makes the following findings: (1)Investing in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and foreign language education is essential to maintaining the competitive advantage and national security of the United States. Significant improvements in the quantity and quality of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and foreign language instruction offered in United States elementary schools and secondary schools are necessary. (2)For the past 3 decades, about one-third of the baccalaureate degrees awarded in the United States have been granted in science and engineering, compared to 59 percent in China and 66 percent in Japan. (3)The United States is behind its European counterparts in foreign language skills, in that one-half of European citizens speak a second language while only 9 percent of Americans speak another language. (4)Elementary schools and secondary schools in the United States need more qualified teachers, equipment, and resources to improve education in mathematics, science, and foreign languages. (5)The optimum time to begin learning a second language is in elementary school, when children have the ability to learn and excel in several foreign language acquisition skills, including pronunciation. (6)Foreign language study can increase children's capacity for critical and creative thinking skills, and children who study a second language show greater cognitive development in areas such as mental flexibility, creativity, tolerance, and higher order thinking skills. (7)All people of the United States should strive to have a global perspective. To understand the world around us, we must acquaint ourselves with the languages, cultures, and history of other nations. (8)Federal agencies have reported shortfalls in language capability that is integral to, or directly supports, every discipline and is an essential factor in national security readiness, disaster response, law enforcement, information superiority, and coalition peacekeeping or warfighting missions. (b)

Purpose

It is the purpose of this Act to ensure the national security and the competitiveness of the United States through increasing the quantity, diversity, and quality of the teaching and learning of subjects in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and foreign language.

Scholarships for science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and foreign language education

(a)

Purpose

It is the purpose of this section to establish and implement a program to award scholarships to individuals who are citizens, nationals, or permanent legal residents of the United States or citizens of the Freely Associated States (as defined in section 103 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1003)), to serve as incentives for students to obtain degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and foreign language. (b)

Scholarships for science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and foreign language education

Part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

Scholarships for science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and foreign language education

420K.

Scholarships for science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and foreign language education

(a)

Purpose

It is the purpose of this section to award scholarships to students to provide incentives for pursuing and obtaining a baccalaureate degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or a critical foreign language. (b)

Definitions

In this section: (1)

Critical foreign language

The term critical foreign language means any language identified as critical by the National Security Education Board and the Secretary. (2)

Science

The term science means any of the natural and physical sciences, including chemistry, biology, physics, and computer science. Such term shall not include any of the social sciences. (c)

Program authorized

From the amounts appropriated under subsection (g), the Secretary shall carry out a program to award scholarships in the amount of $5,000 each to individuals who meet each of the following requirements: (1)The individual agrees to obtain a baccalaureate degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or a critical foreign language. (2)The individual is a student at an institution of higher education who is in good academic standing and is capable, in the opinion of the Secretary, of maintaining good standing in such course of study. (d)

Selection of recipients

The Secretary shall promulgate regulations to establish a formula for the selection of scholarship recipients under this section that— (1)ensures fairness and equality for applicants in the selection process, based on the amounts appropriated under subsection (g); and (2)awards not less than 50 percent of amounts available under this section for an academic year for scholarships to students who meet the requirements described in subsection (c) and are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant under subpart 1 for such year. (e)

Failure to complete degree

If, by the end of the 5-year period beginning when an individual receiving a scholarship under this section begins a program of study in accordance with the agreement described in subsection (c)(1), the individual does not obtain a baccalaureate degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or a critical foreign language, the individual shall reimburse the Federal Government for the amount of the scholarship, including interest, at a rate and schedule to be determined by the Secretary pursuant to regulations. (f)

Report to Congress

(1)

Proposed regulations

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Homeland Security Education Act, the Secretary shall— (A)publish the proposed regulations that the Secretary determines are necessary to carry out this section; and (B)submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on how the Secretary plans— (i)to implement the program under this section; and (ii)to advertise such program to institutions of higher education and potential applicants. (2)

Final regulations

Not later than 180 days after the last day of the comment period for the proposed regulations under paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall promulgate the final regulations to carry out this section. (g)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.

Federal grants to public schools

(a)

In general

Title V of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7201 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

Strengthening mathematics and science education

5701.

Definitions

In this part: (1)

Conditional agreement

The term conditional agreement means an arrangement between representatives of the private sector and a local educational agency to provide certain services and funds to the local educational agency, such as— (A)the donation of computer hardware and software; (B)the donation of science laboratory equipment suitable for students in kindergarten through grade 12; (C)the establishment of internship and mentoring opportunities for students who participate in mathematics, science, and information technology programs under this part; (D)the donation of scholarship funds for use at institutions of higher education by eligible students who have participated in the mathematics, science, and information technology programs under this part; and (E)the donation of technology tools. (2)

Private sector

The term private sector includes corporations, institutions of higher education, State or local government agencies, membership organizations, and other similar entities involved in the mathematics and science fields. (3)

Science

The term science means any of the natural and physical sciences, including chemistry, biology, physics, and computer science. The term does not include any of the social sciences.

5702.

Federal grants to public schools

(a)

Grant program authorized

The Secretary shall establish a demonstration program under which the Secretary shall award grants to local educational agencies to enable such agencies to— (1)develop and implement programs that— (A)build or expand mathematics and science curricula; (B)provide— (i)a rich standards-based course of study in mathematics and science to students; and (ii)opportunities for students who excel in mathematics or science, particularly students who are members of traditionally underrepresented groups in the fields of mathematics or science, to be mentored by adults currently active in the appropriate field; (2)provide mentoring opportunities for students in the fields of mathematics and science; (3)upgrade existing laboratory facilities; or (4)purchase the equipment necessary to establish and maintain such programs. (b)

Application

(1)

In general

A local educational agency desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require by regulation, in accordance with paragraph (3). (2)

Contents

The application described in paragraph (1) shall include— (A)a description of the proposed activities under the grant, consistent with the uses of funds described in subsection (a); (B)a description of how programs under the grant will involve innovative experience learning, such as laboratory experience; (C)a description of any mathematics and science mentoring component (which may take place at the school, at a workplace and paired with internships, or via the Internet), including— (i)the program model and goals; (ii)the anticipated number of students served; (iii)the criteria for selecting students for the mentoring component; and (iv)the mentoring best practices that will be followed; (D)a description of any applicable higher education scholarship program, including— (i)the criteria for student selection; (ii)the duration of the scholarships; (iii)the number of scholarships to be awarded each year; and (iv)the funding levels for the scholarships; (E)evidence of the private sector participation and support in cash or in kind, as required under subsection (c); and (F)an assurance that, upon receipt of a grant under this part, the local educational agency will— (i)execute a conditional agreement with a representative of the private sector; and (ii)enter into an agreement with the Secretary to comply with the requirements of this part. (3)

Regulations

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Homeland Security Education Act, the Secretary shall issue and publish proposed regulations for this subsection. Not later than 180 days after the date on which the period for comment concerning the proposed regulations ends, the Secretary shall issue the final guidelines under this subsection. (c)

Private sector participation

A local educational agency receiving a grant under this section shall enter into a conditional agreement with a representative of the private sector regarding the programs carried out under this section, including not less than 1 conditional agreement with a private sector entity that has agreed to recruit the entity's employees or members in the mathematics and science fields to serve as mentors to students. (d)

Award basis

(1)

In general

The Secretary shall select a local educational agency to receive a grant under this section on the basis of merit, as determined after the Secretary has conducted a comprehensive review of the application. (2)

Priority

In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to a local educational agency that is a high need local educational agency (as such term is defined in section 201(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965).

5703.

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.

(b)

Table of contents

The table of contents in section 2 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 5618 the following:

Part E—Strengthening mathematics and science education

Sec. 5701. Definitions.

Sec. 5702. Federal grants to public schools.

Sec. 5703. Authorization of appropriations.

From the laboratory to the classroom scholarships

(a)

Purpose

The purpose of this section is to increase the amount of elementary and secondary educators with a background and expertise in scientific or engineering subjects by awarding scholarships to practicing scientists and engineers to encourage them to return to school to become certified or licensed elementary and secondary teachers in those disciplines. (b)

Definitions

In this section: (1)

Eligible individual

The term eligible individual means a person who— (A)is a citizen, national, or permanent legal resident of the United States or a citizen of 1 of the Freely Associated States (as defined in section 103 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1003)); (B)holds a baccalaureate or graduate degree in a scientific or engineering field from an institution of higher education; and (C)has not less than 3 years of work experience in a scientific or engineering position. (2)

Institution of higher education

The term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)). (3)

Qualified expenses

The term qualified expenses means the tuition, books, fees, supplies, and equipment required for a course of instruction, at the institution of higher education the eligible individual chooses to attend, that leads to elementary or secondary teaching certification or licensure in any State, and other expenses for completing a teacher preparatory program or obtaining a teaching certificate or license. (4)

Scientific or engineering

The term scientific or engineering means any discipline within the natural sciences, physical sciences, technology, mathematics, or engineering subject areas. (5)

State

The term State means each of the several States of the United States and the District of Columbia. (c)

Program authorized

(1)

In general

From amounts appropriated under subsection (f), the Secretary of Education shall award scholarships to eligible individuals which shall be used to enable the individuals to pay for qualified expenses and attend an institution of higher education of the individual's choosing. (2)

Designation

A scholarship awarded under this section shall be known as a From the Laboratory to the Classroom Scholarship. (d)

Amount; duration

(1)

Amount

A scholarship awarded under this section shall be in an amount of not more than $15,000 per year. (2)

Duration of scholarship

A scholarship awarded to an eligible individual under this section shall be for the period of time required for the individual to complete a course of study leading to elementary or secondary school teacher certification or licensure in a State or a territory of the United States, except that no scholarship shall exceed a period of 2 years. (e)

Terms of scholarship

(1)

Employment as teacher

As a condition of receiving a scholarship under this section, an eligible individual shall agree to be employed full-time as an elementary or secondary education teacher in science, mathematics, or engineering at a high-need, low-income school, as determined by the Secretary, for a period of not less than 5 years after receiving the teacher certification or licensure. (2)

Failure to teach

If an individual who receives a scholarship under this section does not comply with paragraph (1), the individual shall reimburse the Federal Government for the amount of such scholarship, including interest, at a rate and schedule to be determined by the Secretary. (f)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1)$300,000,000 for fiscal year 2008; (2)$375,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; (3)$450,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and (4)$600,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2011 through 2014.

Encouraging early foreign language studies

(a)

In general

Title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6601 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

Encouraging early foreign language studies

2501.

Encouraging early foreign language studies

(a)

Purpose

It is the purpose of this section to improve the performance of students in the study of foreign languages by encouraging States, institutions of higher education, elementary schools, and secondary schools to participate in programs that— (1)upgrade the status and stature of foreign language teaching by encouraging institutions of higher education to assume greater responsibility for improving foreign language teacher education through the establishment of a comprehensive, integrated system of recruiting and advising such teachers; (2)focus on the education of foreign language teachers as a career-long process that should continuously stimulate the teachers' intellectual growth and upgrade the teachers' knowledge and skills; (3)bring foreign language teachers in elementary schools and secondary schools together with linguists or higher education foreign language professionals to increase the subject matter knowledge and improve the teaching skills of teachers through the use of more sophisticated resources that institutions of higher education are better able to provide than the schools; and (4)develop more rigorous foreign language curricula that are aligned with— (A)professional accepted standards for elementary and secondary education instruction; and (B)the standards expected for postsecondary study in foreign language. (b)

Definitions

In this section: (1)

Critical foreign languages

The term critical foreign languages refers to any language identified as critical by the National Security Education Board and the Secretary. (2)

Eligible partnership

The term eligible partnership means a partnership that— (A)shall include— (i)a foreign language department of an institution of higher education; and (ii)a local educational agency; and (B)may include— (i)another foreign language department, or a teacher training department, of an institution of higher education; (ii)another local educational agency, or an elementary school or secondary school; (iii)a business; (iv)a nonprofit organization, including a museum; (v)a heritage or community center for language study; (vi)a national language resource and training center authorized under part A of title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965; or (vii)the State foreign language coordinator or State educational agency. (3)

High need local educational agency

The term high need local educational agency has the meaning given the term in section 201(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965. (4)

Summer workshop or institute

The term summer workshop or institute means a workshop or institute that— (A)is conducted for a period of not less than 2 weeks during the summer; (B)provides direct interaction between students and faculty; and (C)provides for followup training during the academic year that— (i)except as provided in clause (ii) or (iii), shall be conducted in the classroom for a period of not less than 3 days, which may or may not be consecutive; (ii)if the program described in subparagraph (A) is for a period of not more than 2 weeks, shall be conducted for a period of more than 3 days; and (iii)may be conducted through distance education. (c)

Grants to partnerships

(1)

In general

The Secretary is authorized to award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible partnerships to enable the eligible partnerships to pay the Federal share of the costs of carrying out the authorized activities described in this section. (2)

Duration

A grant awarded under this section shall be for a period of 5 years. (3)

Federal share

The Federal share of the costs of the activities described in this section shall be— (A)75 percent of the costs for the first year of a grant under this section; (B)65 percent of such costs for the second such year; and (C)50 percent of such costs for each of the third, fourth, and fifth such years. (4)

Non-Federal share

The non-Federal share of the costs of carrying out the authorized activities described in this section may be provided in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated. (5)

Priority

In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible partnerships— (A)that include high need local educational agencies; or (B)that emphasize the teaching of the critical foreign languages. (d)

Applications

(1)

In general

Each eligible partnership desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require. (2)

Contents

An application submitted under paragraph (1) shall include— (A)an assessment of the teacher quality and professional development needs of all the schools and educational agencies participating in the eligible partnership with respect to the teaching and learning of foreign languages; (B)a description of how the activities to be carried out by the eligible partnership will be based on a review of relevant research, and an explanation of why the activities are expected to improve student performance and to strengthen the quality of foreign language instruction; and (C)a description of— (i)how the eligible partnership will carry out the authorized activities described in subsection (e); and (ii)the eligible partnership's evaluation and accountability plan in accordance with subsection (f). (e)

Authorized activities

An eligible partnership that receives a grant under this section may use the grant funds to carry out activities such as— (1)creating opportunities for enhanced and ongoing professional development that improves the subject matter knowledge of foreign language teachers; (2)recruiting students from 4-year institutions of higher education with foreign language majors for teaching; (3)promoting strong teaching skills for foreign language teachers and teacher educators; (4)establishing foreign language summer workshops or institutes (including followup training) for teachers; (5)establishing distance learning programs for foreign language teachers; (6)designing programs to prepare a teacher at a school to provide professional development to other teachers at the school and to assist novice teachers at the school, including (if applicable) a mechanism to integrate experiences from a summer workshop or institute; and (7)developing instruction materials. (f)

Evaluation and accountability plan

Each eligible partnership receiving a grant under this section shall develop an evaluation and accountability plan for activities assisted under this section that includes strong performance objectives and measures for— (1)increased participation by students in advanced courses in foreign language; (2)increased percentages of secondary school classes in foreign language taught by teachers with academic majors in foreign language; and (3)increased numbers of foreign language teachers who participate in content-based professional development activities. (g)

Report

Each eligible partnership receiving a grant under this section shall annually report to the Secretary regarding the eligible partnership's progress in meeting the performance objectives described in subsection (f). (h)

Termination

If the Secretary determines that an eligible partnership is not making substantial progress in meeting the performance objectives described in subsection (f) by the end of the third year of a grant under this section, the Secretary shall not make grant payments to the eligible partnership for the fourth and fifth years of the grant. (i)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, and such sums as may be necessary for each succeeding fiscal year.

(b)

Table of contents

The table of contents in section 2 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2441 the following:

Part E—Encouraging Early Foreign Language Studies

Sec. 2501. Encouraging early foreign language studies.

Science, engineering, technology, and advanced foreign language education grant program

(a)

Purpose

It is the purpose of this section to support programs in institutions of higher education that encourage students— (1)to develop an understanding of science, technology, and engineering; (2)to develop foreign language proficiency; and (3)to foster future international scientific collaboration. (b)

Development

The Secretary of Education shall develop and carry out a program to award grants to institutions of higher education that develop innovative programs for the teaching of foreign languages. (c)

Regulations and requirements

The Secretary of Education shall promulgate regulations for the awarding of grants under subsection (b). (d)

Application

An institution of higher education desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary of Education at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary shall require. (e)

Use of funds

An institution of higher education receiving a grant under this section shall use grant funds for, among other things— (1)the development of an on-campus cultural awareness program by which students attend classes taught in the foreign language and study the science, technology, or engineering developments and practices in a non-English-speaking country; (2)immersion programs where students study science, technology, or engineering related coursework in a non-English-speaking country; and (3)other programs, such as summer workshops, that emphasize the intense study of a foreign language and science, technology, or engineering. (f)

Grant distribution

In awarding grants to institutions of higher education under this section, the Secretary of Education shall give priority to— (1)institutions that have programs focusing on a curriculum that combines the study of foreign languages and the study of science and technology and produces graduates who have both skills; and (2)institutions teaching the languages identified as critical by the National Security Education Board and the Secretary of Education. (g)

Definitions

In this section: (1)

Institution of higher education

The term institution of higher education has the meaning given such term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001). (2)

Science

The term science means any of the natural and physical sciences, including chemistry, biology, physics, and computer science. Such term does not include any of the social sciences. (h)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, and such sums as may be necessary for each succeeding fiscal year.

National security education program service agreement

Section 802(b)(2) of the David L. Boren National Security Education Act of 1991 (50 U.S.C. 1902(b)(2)) is amended to read as follows:

(2)will— (A)in the case of a recipient of a scholarship, not later than 3 years after the date of the recipient's completion of the study for which scholarship assistance was provided under the program, work— (i)for not less than 1 year in a position in the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State, or any element of the intelligence community that is certified by the Secretary as contributing to national security; (ii)if such recipient demonstrates to the Secretary of Defense that no position described in clause (i) is available, for not less than 1 year in a position in another department or agency of the Federal Government that is certified by the Secretary as contributing to national security; or (iii)if such recipient demonstrates to the Secretary of Defense that no position described in clause (i) or (ii) is available, for not less than 1 academic year in a position in the field of education in a discipline related to the studies supported under this section; or (B)in the case of a recipient of a fellowship, not later than 2 years after the date of the recipient's completion of the study for which the fellowship assistance was provided under the program, work— (i)for not less than 1 year in a position in the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State, or any element of the intelligence community that is certified by the Secretary as contributing to national security; (ii)if such recipient demonstrates to the Secretary of Defense that no position described in clause (i) is available, for not less than 1 year in a position in another department or agency of the Federal Government that is certified by the Secretary as contributing to national security; or (iii)if such recipient demonstrates to the Secretary of Defense that no position described in clause (i) or (ii) is available, for not less than 1 academic year in a position in the field of education in a discipline related to the studies supported under this section.

Critical foreign language education program

(a)

Grants authorized

From amounts appropriated under subsection (f), the Secretary of Education shall award grants to institutions of higher education to pay the Federal share of programs established by the institutions, in collaboration with elementary schools and secondary schools, for language learning pathways that train students from kindergarten through graduate education to be proficient in the critical foreign languages. (b)

Application requirements

An institution of higher education desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary of Education shall require. In the application, the institution of higher education shall— (1)demonstrate the ability of the institution to collaborate effectively with elementary schools and secondary schools to ensure that students who successfully achieve an advanced proficiency level in a critical foreign language at such schools will continue studying a foreign language at an institution of higher education and achieve a superior proficiency level while enrolled in an academic degree program; (2)demonstrate that the program designed by the institution under this section can be replicated for use by other institutions of higher education and elementary schools and secondary schools in the United States; and (3)agree to provide the non-Federal share of the costs of the program under this section. (c)

Federal Share; non-Federal share

The Federal share of the costs of the program under this section shall be not more than 90 percent of such costs. The non-Federal share shall be not less than 10 percent of such costs, and may be provided in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated. (d)

Program

A program assisted under this section may include— (1)study or work abroad opportunities; (2)experiential and community learning; (3)distance learning; (4)language learning for professional purposes, business, and other disciplines; and (5)innovative opportunities for language learning through immersion, internships, and community service. (e)

Definition of critical foreign language

In this section, the term critical foreign language means any language identified as critical by the National Security Education Board and the Secretary of Education. (f)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and each succeeding fiscal year.

10.

World language teaching scholarships

(a)

Purpose

The purpose of this section is to increase the number of elementary school and secondary school educators with foreign language proficiency by awarding scholarships to language proficient individuals to enable the individuals to become certified or licensed as foreign language teachers. (b)

Definitions

In this section: (1)

Eligible individual

The term eligible individual means a person who— (A)is a citizen, national, or permanent legal resident of the United States or is a citizen of 1 of the Freely Associated States (as defined in section 103 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1003)); (B)holds at least a baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education; and (C)demonstrates written and verbal fluency in a critical foreign language. (2)

Critical foreign language

The term critical foreign language means any language identified as critical by the National Security Education Board and the Secretary of Education. (3)

Institution of higher education

The term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)). (4)

Qualified expenses

State

The term State means each of the several States of the United States and the District of Columbia. (c)

Program authorized

(1)

In general

From amounts appropriated under subsection (e), the Secretary of Education shall award scholarships to eligible individuals that shall be used to pay for the qualified expenses of a teacher certification or licensure program. (2)

Designation

A scholarship under this section shall be known as a World Language Teaching Scholarship. (d)

Amount; duration; terms

(1)

Amount

A scholarship awarded under this section shall be in an amount of not more than $15,000 per year. (2)

Duration of scholarship

A scholarship awarded to an eligible individual under this section shall be for the number of years required to complete a course of study leading to elementary or secondary school teaching certification or licensure in a State or a territory of the United States, except that no scholarship shall exceed a period of 2 years. (3)

Terms of scholarship

(A)

Employment as a teacher

As a condition of receiving a scholarship under this section, an eligible individual shall agree to be employed full-time as a foreign language elementary or secondary education teacher at a high-need, low-income school, as determined by the Secretary, for a period of not less than 5 years. (B)

Failure to teach

If an individual who receives a scholarship under this section does not comply with subparagraph (A), the individual shall reimburse the Federal Government for the amount of such scholarship, including interest, at a rate and schedule to be determined by the Secretary. (e)

Authorization of appropriations

11.

Pilot program for student loan repayment for Federal employees with critical science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and foreign language skills

(a)

In general

Subchapter VII of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 5379 the following:

5379a.

Pilot program for student loan repayment for Federal employees with critical science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and foreign language skills

(a)In this section: (1)The term agency means any agency that, based on the agency's human capital strategic plan, has a shortfall in the number of individuals possessing critical science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and foreign language skills. (2)The term human capital strategic plan means an agency's strategic plan under section 306 of this title. (3)The term student loan means— (A)a loan made, insured, or guaranteed under part B of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1071 et seq.); (B)a loan made under part D or E of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq., 1087aa et seq.); or (C)a health education assistance loan made or insured under part A of title VII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 292 et seq.) or under part E of title VIII of such Act (42 U.S.C. 297a et seq.). (b)The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall establish and administer a program under which not less than 3 but not more than 5 agencies, for a period of 5 years, shall set aside an amount, as described in subsection (d), to fund a student loan repayment program under section 5379 of this title to repay (by direct payments on behalf of the employee) any student loan previously taken out by employees possessing science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or foreign language skills deemed critical to an agency under the agency's human capital strategic plan. (c)A program established under this section shall remain in effect for the 5-year period beginning on the date of enactment of the Homeland Security Education Act. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, such program shall continue to pay an employee recruited under this program who is in compliance with this section and section 5379 of this title the employee's benefits under this section through the commitment period in accordance with section 5379(c). (d)Each agency participating in this program shall set aside enough funds to repay the student loans of at least one-half of the number of employees needed with critical science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or foreign language skills, according to the agency’s human capital strategic plan. (e)(1)Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of the Homeland Security Education Act and after consultations with the heads of agencies, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall propose regulations for the pilot program. (2)Not later than 180 days after the date on which the comment period for proposed regulations under paragraph (1) ends, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall promulgate final regulations. (f)(1)(A)Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Homeland Security Education Act, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall report to the appropriate committees of Congress on the implementation of the program under this section. (B)As part of its annual report on the Federal Government’s student loan repayment program under section 5379, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall report on the status of the program established under this section and the success of such program in recruiting and retaining employees possessing such skills, including an assessment as to whether the program should be expanded to other agencies or to individuals possessing other critical skills. (2)The head of each agency establishing a student loan repayment program under this section shall provide any necessary information to the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to enable the Director to carry out this subsection. (g)For the purpose of enabling the Federal Government to recruit and retain employees possessing critical science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and foreign language skills under this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section for each fiscal year.

(b)

Technical and conforming amendment

The table of sections for chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 5379 the following:

Sec. 5379a. Pilot program for student loan repayment for Federal employees with critical science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and foreign language skills.