National STEM Week Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2104
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-14: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:26:37Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The National STEM Week Act aims to create a dedicated annual week to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education across the United States. It seeks to boost American innovation by improving access to quality STEM learning for all students, particularly those in rural, urban, and underserved communities, through nationwide programs that involve schools, families, and industries.
Key Provisions
- Designation of National STEM Week: The National Science and Technology Foundation's Committee on STEM Education (CoSTEM) must select and designate one week each year as "National STEM Week," in consultation with relevant groups like educators and industry leaders.
- Purposes: The week focuses on:
- Emphasizing STEM's role in schools and other learning settings.
- Highlighting diverse STEM career options in classrooms and informal environments (e.g., afterschool or home activities).
- Promoting family involvement in STEM at home.
- Building partnerships between schools and businesses for real-world experiences like mentorship.
- Helping states and local areas create customized STEM events based on their needs.
- Programs and Activities: During the week, CoSTEM will:
- Urge schools (from elementary to higher education) to join in with STEM-focused events.
- Encourage families of participating students to engage in STEM activities.
- Involve businesses by promoting student mentorship, site visits, guest talks, and support through funding or resources.
- Reporting and Evaluation: CoSTEM must submit an annual report to Congress starting one year after the law's enactment, covering participation levels, effects on STEM education and reducing gaps, and suggestions for improvements based on feedback.
- Definitions: The bill defines key terms, such as "STEM" (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), "educational institution" (elementary, secondary, or higher education schools), "industry partner" (businesses supporting the week's goals), and "State" (includes all 50 states plus territories like Puerto Rico and Guam).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new federal designation for an annual National STEM Week, which does not exist in current law. It assigns specific duties to CoSTEM without amending prior statutes like the Elementary and Secondary Education Act or Higher Education Act (though it references their definitions). No major overhauls to existing education policies are made; instead, it adds a promotional framework to encourage voluntary participation.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: CoSTEM gains ongoing responsibilities for planning, coordinating, and reporting on the week, potentially increasing administrative workload but without new funding specified. Congress receives annual updates to monitor progress.
- On Citizens: Students, especially in underserved areas, may gain better access to engaging STEM opportunities, inspiring interest and skills for future careers. Families and communities could see more local events, fostering broader participation in education.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though enhanced U.S. STEM education could indirectly strengthen global competitiveness in innovation and technology.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Students and Educators: Primary beneficiaries, with schools encouraged to integrate STEM activities to address participation gaps.
- Families and Communities: Involved through home-based and local events, particularly in rural, urban, and underserved regions.
- Industry Partners and Leaders: Businesses are prompted to contribute resources, mentorship, and expertise, potentially building a more diverse future workforce.
- States and Local Governments: Supported in tailoring programs to local needs, promoting equity in education.
- CoSTEM and Federal Agencies: Responsible for implementation and evaluation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill relies on voluntary encouragement rather than mandates, avoiding enforcement challenges. It builds on existing federal education frameworks without creating new regulatory burdens.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority to promote education and commerce (e.g., via economic competitiveness), with no apparent conflicts to free speech or state rights, as participation is optional.
- Political: Signals bipartisan support for STEM investment (introduced by representatives from both parties), potentially advancing national goals for workforce diversity and innovation amid concerns over educational disparities. It emphasizes equity without allocating funds, which may limit scope but reduces controversy over spending.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-14: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2025-03-14: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-14: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- National STEM Week Act — issued 2025-03-14 — PDF (6 pages)