This Act designates a National STEM Week and aims to enhance access to STEM education by highlighting its importance, showcasing diverse career pathways, encouraging family engagement in STEM activities, and facilitating partnerships between educational institutions and industry leaders. The Act mandates the National Science and Technology Council to report on the activities and their impact on STEM education. It defines educational institutions, industry leaders, and partners and emphasizes the inclusion of different demographics and regions in promoting STEM education.
National STEM Week Act
This bill requires the National Science and Technology Council's Committee on STEM to designate a week each calendar year as National STEM Week. (STEM refers to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.)
During this established week, the committee must encourage educational institutions (i.e., elementary schools, secondary schools, and institutions of higher education) to participate in the week and also encourage families of students attending these educational institutions to participate in STEM activities. Additionally, the committee must encourage STEM industries to (1) engage with students enrolled in educational institutions by providing mentorship programs, site visits, and guest lectures; and (2) support STEM education initiatives at these educational institutions through funding, resources, and expertise.
The committee must annually report to Congress on the activities conducted during the established week.