118 S5391 IS: National STEM Week Act U.S. Senate 2024-11-21 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II118th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 5391IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESNovember 21, 2024Ms. Ernst (for herself and Ms. Klobuchar) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and TransportationA BILLTo establish a National STEM Week to promote American innovation and enhance STEM education pathways for all students, including those in rural, urban, and underserved communities.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the National STEM Week Act.

2.

Findings

Congress finds the following:(1)Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are crucial to the economic competitiveness and innovative capacity of the United States.(2)There exists a need to enhance access to quality STEM education across all demographics and regions to address disparities in STEM participation and to ensure a diverse and capable future workforce.(3)Informal and formal learning environments, including afterschool programs and at-home activities, play significant roles in stimulating interest and proficiency in STEM subjects.(4)Collaborations between educational institutions, industry partners, and communities can effectively inspire and prepare students for careers in STEM.

3.

Designation of National STEM Week

The National Science and Technology Council Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (CoSTEM), in consultation with other relevant stakeholders, shall designate a week each calendar year as National STEM Week.

4.

Purposes of National STEM Week

(a)

Purposes

The purposes of National STEM Week are, through the programs and activities described subsection (b), to—(1)highlight the importance of STEM education in educational institutions across the country;(2)showcase diverse career pathways within STEM fields in both classroom settings and informal learning environments;(3)encourage family engagement with STEM activities at home to foster a conducive learning environment;(4)facilitate partnerships between educational institutions and industry leaders to provide students with real-world applications and mentorship opportunities in STEM fields; and(5)support States and local communities in developing and promoting their own STEM Week activities and resources, tailored to their unique educational and industrial landscapes.(b)

Programs and activities

During National STEM Week, the National Science and Technology Council Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (CoSTEM) shall carry out the following:(1)

Educational activities

Encourage educational institutions to participate in National STEM Week.(2)

Community and family engagement

Encourage families of students attending the educational institutions participating in National STEM Week to participate in STEM activities. (3)

Industry involvement

Encourage STEM industries to—(A)engage with students enrolled in educational institutions by providing mentorship programs, site visits, and guest lectures; and(B)support STEM education initiatives at such educational institutions through funding, resources, and expertise.

5.

Reporting and evaluation

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and on an annual basis thereafter, the National Science and Technology Council Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CoSTEM) shall submit to Congress a report detailing the activities conducted under National STEM Week, including—(1)a summary of nationwide participation and activities;(2)an analysis of the impact of these activities on improving STEM education and closing educational gaps; and(3)recommendations for improving future STEM Weeks based on feedback from participants and stakeholders.

6.

Definitions

In this Act:(1)

Educational institution

The term educational institution means any elementary school, secondary school, and institution of higher education.(2)

Elementary school; secondary school

The terms elementary school and secondary school have the meanings given the terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).(3)

Industry leader

The term industry leader means an individual in a leadership position within an industry partner who has the authority to make strategic decisions and allocate resources to support the purposes of National STEM Week.(4)

Industry partner

The term industry partner means a for-profit or nonprofit entity seeking to support the purposes of National STEM Week.(5)

Institution of higher education

The term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).(6)

STEM

The term STEM means science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. (7)

State

The term State means each of the 50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands.