21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6375
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-03: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T08:07:58Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act" (H.R. 6375) aims to increase participation of girls and underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields by providing federal grants to local school districts. It seeks to build interest, skills, and awareness of STEM careers from kindergarten through grade 12, addressing barriers like gender and racial biases.
Key Provisions
- Grant Program Authority: The U.S. Department of Education must award competitive grants starting 90 days after enactment to "qualified" local educational agencies (LEAs)—school districts that receive federal funds under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and serve at least 40% of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunches (a measure of low-income students).
- Application Requirements: LEAs must submit detailed plans covering program design, school collaboration, recruitment of students, instructional activities, partnerships, and strategies to improve STEM education. Priority goes to LEAs partnering with organizations experienced in boosting STEM participation among girls and underrepresented minorities.
- Authorized Activities: Grant funds support a range of STEM-focused efforts, including:
- Career preparation and parent education on STEM opportunities.
- Tutoring, mentoring, and exposure to role models.
- After-school and summer programs to build skills and interest.
- Field trips, internships (up to 50% cost coverage), and advanced course advising.
- Teacher training on reducing biases and creating supportive environments.
- Purchase of materials, software, or equipment for STEM teaching.
- Grant Details: Each grant lasts 4 years at $250,000 per year. Funds must supplement (add to), not replace, existing non-federal resources.
- Evaluation and Reporting: LEAs must submit annual written evaluations to the Department, detailing program activities, student engagement, academic progress (via pre- and post-assessments), and partnerships.
- Funding Authorization: $10 million per fiscal year from 2026 through 2029.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill amends the ESEA of 1965 by adding a new Part G to Title IV, introducing a dedicated grant program for targeted STEM equity. Previously, ESEA supported general education improvements but lacked this specific focus on girls and underrepresented minorities in STEM through competitive, needs-based grants to high-poverty districts.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of Education gains responsibility for administering the program, including application reviews, grant awards, and evaluations, potentially increasing administrative workload but with capped funding.
- Citizens: Low-income students, particularly girls and underrepresented minorities (e.g., Black, Hispanic, Native American students), may gain better access to STEM resources, mentoring, and career pathways, helping close educational and workforce gaps. Parents and teachers benefit from training and involvement opportunities.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though enhanced U.S. STEM diversity could indirectly strengthen global competitiveness in innovation and technology sectors.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Local Educational Agencies (LEAs): Eligible high-poverty school districts as primary grant recipients.
- Students: Girls and underrepresented minorities in grades K-12, who are the program's focus for recruitment and support.
- Educators and School Staff: Teachers and personnel receiving professional development to address biases and encourage STEM participation.
- Parents and Families: Involved in education efforts to overcome obstacles and sustain student interest.
- Partner Organizations: Local, regional, or national groups with STEM expertise, prioritized for collaborations.
- Federal Government: The Department of Education oversees implementation and funding.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Aligns with ESEA's emphasis on equitable education; the "supplement, not supplant" rule prevents misuse of funds. Competitive grants ensure targeted use without broad mandates.
- Constitutional: Supports equal protection under the 14th Amendment by addressing disparities in STEM access for protected groups (e.g., based on gender and race), without raising discrimination concerns as it focuses on inclusion.
- Political: Promotes educational equity and workforce diversity, potentially appealing across party lines for economic benefits in STEM fields, but may spark debates on targeted funding versus universal programs. No enforcement mechanisms beyond evaluations, limiting controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (16)
Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11], Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11], Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-03: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2025-12-03: Introduced in House
- 2025-12-03: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- 21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act — issued 2025-12-03 — PDF (9 pages)