This bill directs the National Science and Technology Council Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (CoSTEM) to designate one week each year as "National STEM Week." The week is meant to promote STEM education, showcase STEM career paths, encourage family and community STEM activities, and build partnerships between schools and industry. During National STEM Week, CoSTEM will encourage educational institutions to hold activities, encourage families to engage in STEM at home, and encourage industry to provide mentorship, site visits, guest lectures, and other support. CoSTEM must submit a report to Congress within one year of enactment and annually after that. The report must summarize participation, analyze the impact on STEM education and gaps, and give recommendations for improvement. The bill also defines terms such as educational institution, industry partner, and STEM.
If you are a teacher or school, you may be encouraged to hold STEM events during the designated week. If you are a parent or caregiver, you may be encouraged to do STEM activities with children at home. If you work in a STEM industry, you may be encouraged to offer mentorship, site visits, guest talks, or resources to schools. The bill directs CoSTEM to promote and coordinate these efforts and to report on them. The bill encourages participation but does not set required actions or specific funding in the text.
No publicly available information on costs or appropriations is included in the bill text.
The bill's findings state that STEM fields are important to U.S. competitiveness, that access to quality STEM education should be improved across regions and demographics, that informal and formal learning help stimulate student interest, and that partnerships between schools and industry can prepare students for STEM careers. Proponents would say National STEM Week will highlight STEM learning, showcase career paths, boost family engagement, and encourage collaborations that inspire students.
No publicly available information.