((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.