Bill > HR4161

This bill, titled the 21st Century STEM for Underrepresented Students Act, aims to encourage and further research into how to better engage underrepresented youth in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Specifically, it directs the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a program that awards competitive grants for research on programming designed to involve students from kindergarten through 8th grade in STEM. These grants will fund research into activities such as before-school, after-school, and summer programs, including those in single-gender environments, that aim to spark interest, engagement, and skill development in STEM for these students. Permitted research activities include using various engagement methods like cooperative and hands-on learning, exposing students to STEM role models and near-peer mentors, training educators, educating students about STEM careers, and involving parents. Applicants for these grants must describe their target audience, recruitment process, how their research will inform programming, and include an evaluation plan with outcome-oriented measures. The NSF Director will prioritize applicants who partner with experienced non-profit organizations focused on increasing STEM participation for underrepresented students, and will conduct an evaluation of the program within three years, reporting findings and recommendations to Congress and the public.