Sec. 112. Expanding STEM opportunities
655 words·~3 min read·
/bill/114/hr/1806/rh/section-112A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Within the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (or any successor thereto), under existing programs targeting broadening participation, the Director shall provide grants on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis for research on programming that engages underrepresented students in grades kindergarten through 8 in STEM. Grants awarded under this section shall be used for research to advance the engagement of underrepresented students in grades kindergarten through 8 in STEM through the development and implementation of innovative before-school, after-school, out-of-school, or summer activities, including programs (if applicable to the target population) provided in a single-gender environment, that are designed to encourage interest, engagement, and skills development of underrepresented students in STEM.
Such research shall be conducted in learning environments that actively provide programming to underrepresented students in grades kindergarten through 8 in STEM. Such activities may include— the development and implementation of programming described in subsection
(a)for the purpose of research; the use of a variety of engagement methods, including cooperative and hands-on learning; exposure of underrepresented youth to role models in the fields of STEM, including researchers in the National Laboratories, and nearpeer mentors; training of informal learning educators and youth-serving professionals using evidence-based methods consistent with the target student population being served; education of students on the relevance and significance of STEM careers, provision of academic advice and assistance, and activities designed to help students make real-world connections to STEM content activities; the attendance of underrepresented youth at events, competitions, and academic programs to provide content expertise and encourage career exposure in STEM; activities designed to engage parents of underrepresented youth; innovative strategies to engage underrepresented youth, such as using leadership skill outcome measures to encourage youth with the confidence to pursue STEM coursework and academic study; coordination with STEM-rich environments, including other nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations, classroom and out-of-classroom settings, institutions of higher education, vocational facilities, corporations, museums, National Laboratories, or science centers; and the acquisition of instructional materials or technology-based tools to conduct applicable grant activity. An applicant seeking funding under the section shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as may be required. The application shall include, at a minimum, the following: A description of the target audience to be served by the program. A description of the process for recruitment and selection of students, as appropriate. A description of how such research activity may inform programming that engages underrepresented students in grades kindergarten through 8 in STEM. A description of how such research activity may inform programming that promotes student academic achievement in STEM. An evaluation plan that includes, at a minimum, the use of outcome-oriented measures to determine the impact and efficacy of activities being researched. In awarding grants under this section, the Director shall give priority to applicants which, for the purpose of grant activity, include or partner with a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that has extensive experience and expertise in increasing the participation of underrepresented students in STEM. Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall evaluate the grants provided under this section. In addition to evaluating the effectiveness of the grant activities, such evaluation shall— use a common set of benchmarks and assessment tools to identify best practices and materials developed or demonstrated by the research; and to the extent practicable, combine the research resulting from the grant activity with the current research on serving underrepresented students in grades kindergarten through 8. Not later than 180 days after the completion of the evaluation under paragraph (1), the Director shall submit to Congress and make widely available to the public a report that includes— the results of the evaluation; and any recommendations for administrative and legislative action that could optimize the effectiveness of the program. In carrying out this section, the Director shall consult, cooperate, and coordinate, to enhance program effectiveness and to avoid duplication, with the programs and policies of other relevant Federal agencies.