Sponsors (2)
The bill centralizes and funds a coordinated National STEM Week and related guidance to broaden student exposure, teacher support, and industry partnerships—potentially improving STEM pathways—while increasing government administrative costs and posing risks of uneven access and short‑lived programs unless adequately funded and sustained.
Students (K–12 and college) — gain regular, coordinated exposure to STEM careers, mentorships, site visits, guest lectures, and hands‑on activities through an annual National STEM Week that can better inform career choices and boost interest in STEM.
Teachers and schools — receive coordinated resources, industry partnerships, and recommendations to support hands‑on learning, expand curricular opportunities, and scale effective STEM activities.
Parents, families, and local communities — are encouraged to engage in at‑home and community STEM activities during National STEM Week, validating informal learning and increasing family support for students' STEM learning.
Taxpayers and public agencies — the initiative and required reporting/coordination create additional federal, state, and local spending and administrative costs (implementation, staffing, reporting) without a specified appropriation.
Students in rural, low‑income, and under‑resourced areas — reliance on industry support and activities that require broadband or existing industry connections risks widening inequities in access to high‑quality STEM experiences.
Students and schools — the 5‑year sunset and limited statutory continuity risk disrupting programs and partnerships unless reauthorized, reducing the likelihood of sustained long‑term impact.
Based on analysis of 6 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes a five-year National STEM Week led by the federal NSTC CoSTEM committee, requiring annual designation, programming, and reporting to Congress.
Official title: Establish a National STEM Week to promote American innovation and enhance STEM education pathways for all students, including those in rural, urban, and underserved communities.
Introduced March 14, 2025 by Joni Ernst · Last progress March 3, 2026
Creates a five-year authority for an annual "National STEM Week" led by the National Science and Technology Council's STEM education committee (CoSTEM). The committee must designate a week each year, run outreach and partnership programs during that week, encourage participation by schools, families, and industry, and report to Congress annually on activities, participation, impacts on STEM education gaps, and recommendations. The law defines key terms, sets program purposes (highlight STEM, showcase career pathways, foster school–industry partnerships, and support state/local activities), and requires an initial report within one year and annual reports thereafter. The designation authority sunsets five years after enactment.