H.R. 4048: STEM Pathways for the Future Act

This bill, titled the STEM Pathways for the Future Act, aims to enhance opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields through two main components: a grant program for STEM apprenticeship programs and the establishment of an interagency task force to evaluate existing federal programs focused on career development and training in STEM.

Grant Program for STEM Apprenticeship Programs

The bill mandates the National Science Foundation (NSF) to create a grant program within one year of the bill's enactment. This program will fund competitive grants to entities that wish to establish apprenticeship programs in STEM disciplines that are not conducted by traditional four-year higher education institutions. Here are the key points regarding the grant program:

• Eligible Recipients: Grants can be awarded to states, Indian tribes, local governments, public-private partnerships, community colleges, minority-serving institutions, and other defined priorities.
• Grant Application Process: Applicants must submit an application to the NSF detailing their proposed apprenticeship program.
• Funding Preferences: Priority recipients, such as registered apprenticeship providers and community colleges, will be given preference in grant awards over other eligible recipients.
• Permissible Uses of Funds: Grant funds can be used for:
  • Recruiting participants for the apprenticeship program.
  • Planning and technical support for program improvement.
  • Integrating new technologies into the apprenticeship.
  • Collaborating with private sector partners to enhance the programs.
  • Other activities as determined appropriate by the NSF Director.
• Restrictions: Grant funds cannot be used for recruitment incentives that might lead to the relocation of businesses from one area to another.

Interagency Task Force

The bill establishes an interagency task force composed of key leaders from various federal agencies, including:

• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• The National Science Foundation (NSF)
• The Office of Science and Technology Policy
• The Department of Commerce
• The Department of Education
• The Department of Energy
• The Department of Health and Human Services
• The Department of Labor

The task force is responsible for:

• Creating a report identifying all federal programs that focus primarily on career development and training in STEM, including those offered through registered apprenticeship programs, community colleges, and minority-serving institutions.
• Submitting this report to Congress within one year of the task force's establishment. The task force will terminate after submitting the report.

Definitions

Key terms defined in this legislation include:

• STEM: Refers to the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
• Eligible Recipient: Specific entities that can apply for grants, as outlined above.
• Priority Recipient: Entities that have a higher preference for grant awards due to their direct involvement in apprenticeship programs or education.

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