S. 3340: 21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act

This bill, known as the 21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act, aims to encourage girls and underrepresented minorities to pursue studies and careers in STEM fields—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It seeks to accomplish this by providing grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) for various STEM education initiatives. Below is a detailed summary of the key provisions of the bill:

Grant Program Implementation

Upon enactment, the Secretary of Education will implement a grant program that offers funds to qualified local educational agencies. These grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to cover expenses associated with STEM education activities for girls and underrepresented minorities. Local educational agencies need to submit applications outlining their proposed programs to qualify for the funding.

Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible for the grants, local educational agencies must:

• Submit an application with details about the educational program, its content, collaboration plans among schools, and strategies to enhance STEM education for the targeted demographics.
• Prioritize partnerships with institutions experienced in enhancing STEM participation among girls and minorities, or those conducting relevant research.

Appropriate Use of Funds

Grant recipients will use the funds to implement various STEM-focused programs and activities, including:

• Education on the advantages of STEM careers for participants and their parents.
• Recruitment and mentoring initiatives in STEM subjects.
• Programs that link students with role models in STEM fields.
• Support for after-school and summer activities that boost interest and skills in STEM.
• Field trips to educational institutions to highlight career opportunities in STEM.
• Internship funding for students in STEM disciplines.
• Teacher training that focuses on fostering an inclusive environment conducive to learning for girls and minorities.

Funding Details

The grants will have a duration of four years, with each awarded LEA receiving $250,000 per year. The funds must supplement, not replace, existing financial resources available from non-federal sources. The total appropriation for these grants is set at $10 million for each fiscal year from 2026 to 2029.

Evaluation and Accountability

Qualified local educational agencies must evaluate the effectiveness of their programs annually. They are required to submit a written evaluation detailing the program’s activities, curricula, student engagement in STEM, and any educational progress made by participating students.

Definitions

Key terms defined in the bill include:

• Qualified Local Educational Agency: An agency that receives federal funds and serves a student population where at least 40% are eligible for free or reduced lunch.
• STEM: An abbreviation for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Relevant Companies

None found.