H.R. 9177: Improving Mentorship in STEM Higher Education Act

This bill, titled the "Improving Mentorship in STEM Higher Education Act," aims to enhance mentorship practices in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at institutions of higher learning. It proposes several key actions as follows:

Mentorship Demonstration Program

The bill directs the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a mentorship demonstration program. This program will involve:

• Competitive Awards: The NSF will provide competitive grants to eligible entities to develop and improve mentorship practices.
• Focus Areas: The program will focus on areas such as:
• Building mentoring skills for faculty and researchers
• Promoting evidence-based mentorship practices
• Researching methodologies to enhance mentorship
• Training individuals in cultural competencies
• Funding outreach initiatives related to mentorship projects

Eligibility and Considerations

For an entity to qualify for the award, it must submit an application meeting NSF requirements. Special consideration will be given to:

• Minority-serving institutions
• Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs)
• Tribal Colleges and Universities
• Rural-serving institutions of higher education
• Emerging research institutions
• Consortia that include the above-mentioned institutions

Reporting Requirements

The Director of the NSF is required to report back to Congress within five years after the enactment of this program. The report should include:

• An assessment of the program's effectiveness in improving mentorship quality in STEM fields, based on qualitative or quantitative metrics.
• If the program is deemed effective, a plan for its sustainability and permanent implementation.

Funding

The bill authorizes an appropriation of $5,000,000 for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support the mentorship demonstration program.

Misconduct Reporting Requirements

The bill also amends existing legislation regarding misconduct reporting in institutions. It involves establishing better institutional and agency processes for reporting harassment, discrimination, and other professional or scientific misconduct.

Overall Objectives

The overarching goal of this bill is to foster a more effective mentorship environment in STEM education, particularly focusing on inclusivity and support for diverse educational institutions.

Relevant Companies

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