Last progress June 17, 2025 (5 months ago)
Introduced on June 17, 2025 by Luz M. Rivas
Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill tells the National Science Foundation to fund more hands-on STEM training, like apprenticeships, outside of four-year colleges. Within one year, the NSF must start a competitive grant program to help create or grow STEM apprenticeships. Money can be used to recruit trainees, plan and improve programs, add new technology, and partner with STEM companies through advisory boards or consortia. It cannot be used to lure a business to move from one place to another. Some applicants may get preference, based on program rules.
It also sets up a short-term task force made up of leaders from major federal science, education, labor, and health agencies. Within one year, they must send Congress a report listing federal programs that focus on STEM career training through registered apprenticeships, community colleges, or minority-serving institutions. The task force ends after the report is submitted.