((a)) ** Purposes** The purposes of this section are—

((1)) to address the decline in the number of and resources available to nuclear science programs at institutions of higher education; and

((2)) to increase the number of graduates with degrees in nuclear science, an area of strategic importance to the economic competitiveness and energy security of the United States.

((b)) ** Definition of nuclear science** In this section, the term “nuclear science” includes—

((1)) nuclear science;

((2)) nuclear engineering;

((3)) nuclear chemistry;

((4)) radio chemistry; and

((5)) health physics.

((c)) ** Establishment** The Secretary shall establish, in accordance with this section, a program to expand and enhance institution of higher education nuclear science educational capabilities.

((d)) ** Nuclear science program expansion grants for institutions of higher education**

((1)) ** In general** The Secretary shall award up to 3 competitive grants for each fiscal year to institutions of higher education that establish new academic degree programs in nuclear science.

((2)) ** Priority** In evaluating grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to proposals that involve partnerships with a National Laboratory or other eligible nuclear-related entity, as determined by the Secretary.

((3)) ** Criteria** Criteria for a grant awarded under this subsection shall be based on—

((A)) the potential to attract new students to the program;

((B)) academic rigor; and

((C)) the ability to offer hands-on learning opportunities.

((4)) ** Duration and amount**

((A)) ** Duration** A grant under this subsection may be up to 5 years in duration.

((B)) ** Amount** An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this subsection shall be eligible for up to $1,000,000 for each year of the grant period.

((5)) ** Use of funds** An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this subsection may use the grant to—

((A)) recruit and retain new faculty;

((B)) develop core and specialized course content;

((C)) encourage collaboration between faculty and researchers in the nuclear science field; and

((D)) support outreach efforts to recruit students.

((e)) ** Nuclear science competitiveness grants for institutions of higher education**

((1)) ** In general** The Secretary shall award up to 5 competitive grants for each fiscal year to institutions of higher education with existing academic degree programs that produce graduates in nuclear science.

((2)) ** Criteria** Criteria for a grant awarded under this subsection shall be based on the potential for increasing the number and academic quality of graduates in the nuclear sciences who enter into careers in nuclear-related fields.

((3)) ** Duration and amount**

((A)) ** Duration** A grant under this subsection may be up to 5 years in duration.

((B)) ** Amount** An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this subsection shall be eligible for up to $500,000 for each year of the grant period.

((4)) ** Use of funds** An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this subsection may use the grant to—

((A)) increase the number of graduates in nuclear science that enter into careers in the nuclear science field;

((B)) enhance the teaching of advanced nuclear technologies;

((C)) aggressively pursue collaboration opportunities with industry and National Laboratories;

((D)) bolster or sustain nuclear infrastructure and research facilities of the institution of higher education, such as research and training reactors or laboratories; and

((E)) provide tuition assistance and stipends to undergraduate and graduate students.

((f)) ** Authorization of appropriations**

((1)) ** Nuclear science program expansion grants for institutions of higher education** There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection (d)—

((A)) $3,500,000 for fiscal year 2008;

((B)) $6,500,000 for fiscal year 2009;

((C)) $9,500,000 for fiscal year 2010;

((D)) $9,800,000 for fiscal year 2011;

((E)) $10,100,000 for fiscal year 2012; and

((F)) $10,400,000 for fiscal year 2013.

((2)) ** Nuclear science competitiveness grants for institutions of higher education** There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection (e)—

((A)) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;

((B)) $5,500,000 for fiscal year 2009;

((C)) $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;

((D)) $8,240,000 for fiscal year 2011;

((E)) $8,500,000 for fiscal year 2012; and

((F)) $8,750,000 for fiscal year 2013.