Sec. 805. Innovations in informal STEM learning
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/bill/117/hr/2153/ih/section-805A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Section 3(b) of the STEM Education Act of 2015 ( 42 U.S.C. 1862q(b) ) is amended— in paragraph (3), by striking ; and at the end and inserting a semicolon; in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and by adding at the end the following: supporting the participation of students in nonprofit competitions, out-of-school activities, and field experiences related to STEM subjects (such as robotics, science research, invention, mathematics, and technology competitions), which may include— the purchase of parts and supplies needed to participate in such competitions; incentives and stipends for teachers and instructional leaders who are involved in assisting students and preparing students for such competitions, if such activities fall outside the regular duties and responsibilities of such teachers and instructional leaders; or incentivizes and stipends for professional training for teachers and instructional leaders of before-school, after-school, out-of-school or summer STEM programs; and broadening secondary school students’ access to, and interest in, careers that require academic preparation in STEM subjects. .
K–8 informal stem opportunities Section 3 of the STEM Education Act of 2015 ( 42 U.S.C. 1862q ) is amended by adding at the end the following: The Director of the National Science Foundation shall provide grants on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis for research on programming that engages students in grades pre-kindergarten through 8, including underrepresented and rural students, in STEM in order to prepare such students to pursue degrees or careers in STEM. Grants awarded under this section shall be used toward research to advance the engagement of students in grades pre-kindergarten through 8 in STEM through providing before-school, after-school, out-of-school, or summer activities that are designed to encourage interest, engagement, and skills development for students in STEM.
The activities described in subparagraph
(A)may include— the provision of programming described in such subparagraph for the purpose of research described in such subparagraph; the use of a variety of engagement methods, including cooperative and hands-on learning; exposure of students to role models in the fields of STEM and near-peer mentors; training of informal learning educators, youth-serving professionals, and volunteers who lead informal STEM programs in 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; the attendance of students at events, competitions, and academic programs to provide content expertise and encourage career exposure in STEM; activities designed to engage parents and families of students in grades pre-kindergarten through 8 in STEM; innovative strategies to engage students, such as using leadership skills and outcome measures to impart youth with the confidence to pursue STEM coursework and academic study; coordination with STEM-rich environments, including other nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations, out-of-classroom settings, single-gender environments, institutions of higher education, vocational facilities, corporations, museums, 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. Applications that include or partner with a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that has extensive experience and expertise in increasing the participation of students in pre-kindergarten through grade 8 in STEM are encouraged. The application may include the following: A description of the target audience to be served by the research activity or activities for which such funding is sought. A description of the process for recruitment and selection of students to participate in such activities. A description of how such activity or activities may inform programming that engages students in grades pre-kindergarten through 8 in STEM. A description of how such activity or activities 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 programming being researched. Each recipient of a grant under this section shall provide, at the conclusion of every year during which the grant funds are received, an evaluation in a form prescribed by the Director. The Director shall evaluate the activities established under this section. Such evaluation shall— use a common set of benchmarks and tools to assess the results of research conducted under such grants; and to the extent practicable, integrate the findings of the research resulting from the activity or activities funded through the grant with the current research on serving students with respect to the pursuit of degrees or careers in STEM, including underrepresented and rural students, in grades pre-kindergarten through 8. Not later than 180 days after the completion of the evaluation under subparagraph (A), 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 under this section. In carrying out this section, the Director shall, for purposes of enhancing program effectiveness and avoiding duplication of activities, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with the programs and policies of other relevant Federal agencies. .
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Sec. 805
Innovations in informal STEM learning
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