Computer Science for All Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6591
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-10: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-31T09:05:41Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Computer Science for All Act of 2025 aims to expand access to computer science education for students from prekindergarten through grade 12. It addresses gaps in current offerings, particularly for underrepresented groups like minorities, girls, and low-income students, to prepare them for a technology-driven economy and reduce workforce disparities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) fields.
Key Provisions
- Findings: The bill outlines the growing importance of computer science jobs (projected 20% growth by 2034), the need for broad access beyond tech sectors, parental demand (90% want it in schools), and underrepresentation of Black, Hispanic, and female students in STEAM (e.g., women of color receive only 15% of science and engineering degrees).
- Definitions: Key terms include "computational thinking" (creative problem-solving for computer-based solutions), "computer science education" (covering topics like algorithms, programming, AI, and societal impacts), "eligible entity" (states, local educational agencies, or eligible Tribal schools committed to inclusive expansion), and "STEAM" (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, including computer science).
- Grants Program: The Secretary of Education awards competitive grants to eligible entities (up to 5 years) to model nationwide expansion. Entities can apply individually, in consortia, or with partners like state agencies.
- Application Requirements: Plans must ensure all high school students access computer science within 5 years; provide prekindergarten-to-middle school progression; expand STEAM classes to boost interest and close gaps for underrepresented groups; include monitoring, evaluation, sustainability, and preparation for technologies like AI.
- Required Uses of Funds: Teacher training for elementary and secondary schools; high-quality materials and online options; STEAM expansion plans; support like mentoring for underrepresented students.
- Permissible Uses: Regional collaborations with industry, nonprofits, and higher education (including minority-serving institutions); hiring staff; sustainability preparations; sharing best practices; incorporating AI in classrooms.
- Limitations: No more than 15% of funds for equipment purchases.
- National Activities: Up to 2.5% of funds for technical assistance, evaluation, and information sharing.
- Funding: Authorizes $250 million total for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
- Reporting: Grantees submit biannual reports on student reach (disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, and free/reduced lunch eligibility). The Secretary reports to Congress after 5 years with expansion recommendations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to require the Office of Educational Technology to collect and report data on computer science education availability, broken down by type, state, local agency, and Tribal school.
- Amends the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 to mandate the National Center for Education Statistics to study computer science education in elementary and secondary schools, including student competency levels.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of Education gains responsibilities for grant administration, data collection, and national support, potentially increasing workload and requiring new tracking systems for equity-focused metrics.
- Citizens: Students, especially in underserved communities, gain better access to computer science and STEAM education, fostering skills for high-demand jobs and reducing opportunity gaps. Teachers receive training, and schools in low-income, rural, or minority areas may see improved resources.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, but enhanced U.S. computer science education could strengthen the nation's tech workforce and innovation, indirectly boosting global economic competitiveness.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Students and Families: Particularly underrepresented groups (e.g., Black, Hispanic, Native American, girls, low-income, and rural students) who benefit from expanded access and equity-focused supports.
- Educators and Schools: Teachers (via training), local educational agencies, states, and eligible Tribal schools (as grant recipients) responsible for implementation.
- Higher Education and Industry: Institutions (especially minority-serving ones) and nonprofits partner for collaborations; tech sectors gain a more diverse, skilled future workforce.
- Government: Department of Education oversees the program; Congress receives reports for potential expansions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Builds on existing federal education laws (e.g., Elementary and Secondary Education Act) by integrating computer science data into routine reporting, promoting accountability without new mandates on states. Emphasizes equity, aligning with anti-discrimination principles in education funding.
- Constitutional: Supports the federal role in promoting general welfare through education (under the Spending Clause), with no apparent conflicts to state sovereignty as participation is voluntary via grants.
- Political: Highlights bipartisan interest in workforce development and closing racial/gender gaps in STEAM, potentially influencing future education budgets. Could spark debates on federal involvement in curriculum, though the bill focuses on access rather than content mandates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (22)
Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Ivey, Glenn [D-MD-4], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Randall, Emily [D-WA-6], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-10: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2025-12-10: Introduced in House
- 2025-12-10: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Computer Science for All Act of 2025 — issued 2025-12-10 — PDF (13 pages)