National innovation and modern skills training competitive grant pilot program

The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended by inserting after section 1418 (7 U.S.C. 3153) the following:

1419.

National innovation and modern skills training competitive grant pilot program

(a)

Definition of land-Grant college or university

In this section, the term land-grant college or university includes a 1994 Institution (as defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382)).(b)

Establishment

The Secretary shall establish a pilot program (referred to in this section as the pilot program) to award competitive grants to land-grant colleges and universities to carry out activities described in subsection (c).(c)

Eligible activities

(1)

In general

A land-grant college or university that receives a grant under the pilot program shall use the grant funds to establish a statewide program, in cooperation with cooperative extension services and industry experts, to facilitate research and rapid workforce development and promote entrepreneurship and other benefits to communities across the applicable State.(2)

Workforce development, research, and entrepreneurship programs

(A)

In general

A statewide program established under paragraph (1) shall be composed of 1 or more workforce development, research, or entrepreneurship programs, which shall—(i)be provided through cooperative extension services, in partnership with 1 or more colleges or universities in the applicable geographic area;(ii)be administered by the applicable land-grant college or university; and(iii)confer to a participant a measurable benefit or credential on successful completion of the program.(B)

Workforce development programs

A workforce development program established under subparagraph (A) shall—(i)offer flexible and alternative educational pathways to promote workforce development, including—(I)stackable credentials;(II)micro degrees;(III)boot camps; or(IV)credit-by-examination programs; and(ii)focus on the middle- and high-skilled jobs needed in the economy, including local and remote work opportunities, with an emphasis on the unemployed and underemployed, through rapid upskilling, registered apprenticeships, and mentorship opportunities.(C)

Research programs

A research program established under subparagraph (A)—(i)may be tailored to support the needs of regional attributes, workforce needs, and economic development goals; and(ii)shall—(I)immerse participants in emerging science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields and technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced computing, advanced manufacturing, 3D technology and printing, data management and use, digital technologies, biotechnology, health information technology, agricultural technology, advanced telecommunications, and robotics; (II)be tailored to support—(aa)the needs of large industry partners and their innovation pipelines;(bb)regional attributes; or(cc)economic development goals;(III)consist of research conducted by the land-grant college or university in partnership with the applicable community; and(IV)include the provision of match-funded research grants to local community members—(aa)to conduct research led by the land-grant college or university under subclause (III); and (bb)to submit to faculty of the land-grant college or university or staff of the cooperative extension service quarterly reports describing findings of the research conducted under item (aa), which may be shared with private sector providers of grants.(D)

Entrepreneurship programs

An entrepreneurship program established under subparagraph (A)—(i)shall focus on—(I)the strengths of local historical industries;(II)the modern globalized versions of those industries;(III)the innovation opportunities within those industries;(IV)the needs of the community; and (V)the variety of localized industries in the region; and(ii)may focus on creating an entrepreneurial environment, professional network, mentoring, and other resources to develop strong entrepreneurial ecosystems and small businesses—(I)to spur economic development in underrepresented communities; and (II)to develop the next generation of entrepreneurs across the United States. (E)

Collaboration

In carrying out a workforce development, research, or entrepreneurship program under this paragraph, a land-grant college or university is encouraged to collaborate with private-sector partners, workforce development boards, other institutions of higher education, and local leaders to develop programs that—(i)meet the professional and social needs of the applicable community; and (ii)address areas of national importance or need.(d)

Eligibility

To be eligible for a grant under the pilot program, a land-grant college or university—(1)shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including—(A)a demonstration of the availability of matching funding from the private sector equal to the amount of the grant to carry out activities under the pilot program; (B)a 12-month plan that defines outcome goals under the pilot program for workforce, entrepreneurship, and research focuses; and(C)a demonstration of community engagement or community partners;(2)may submit an application under paragraph (1) jointly with 1 or more other land-grant colleges or universities in the same State; and(3)shall be subject to an evaluation, including metrics, relating to the performance of the land-grant college or university under the pilot program.(e)

Selection of recipients

The Secretary shall provide grants under the pilot program—(1)to land-grant colleges or universities in 10 States, including not more than 1 land-grant college or university in any State, unless 2 or more land-grant colleges or universities in a State submit a joint application in accordance with subsection (d)(2); and(2)taking into consideration—(A)regional and geographic diversity; and (B)the capacity of a land-grant college or university to engage industry, the workforce, and other organizations.(f)

Amount and duration

A grant under the pilot program shall be—(1)in the amount of $5,000,000; and(2)provided over a 3-year period.(g)

Economic Development Coordinator

The Secretary may appoint an Economic Development Coordinator—(1)to work with recipients of grants under this section; and(2)to coordinate efforts with cooperative extension services.(h)

Coordination

In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall coordinate with—(1)the Secretary of Commerce;(2)the Secretary of Labor;(3)the Secretary of Education; (4)the Administrator of the Small Business Administration; and(5)the Director of the National Science Foundation.(i)

Reports

(1)

Economic impact reports

Not later than 180 days after the end of the period of a grant under the pilot program, the recipient of the grant shall submit to the Secretary a report describing the economic impacts of activities carried out using the grant. (2)

Report to Congress

Not later than 180 days after the Secretary receives the report under paragraph (1) from the last recipient of a grant under the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing the economic impacts of activities carried out using grants under the pilot program, based on the reports submitted to the Secretary under paragraph (1).