((a)) ** In general** The Director shall make awards, on a competitive basis, to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations (or consortia thereof) to—

((1)) conduct research described in subsection (b) with respect to HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs; and

((2)) identify and broadly disseminate effective models for programs and practices at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs that promote the education and workforce preparation of minority students pursuing STEM studies and careers in which such students are underrepresented.

((b)) ** Research** Research described in this subsection is research on the contribution of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to the education and training of underrepresented minority students in STEM fields and to the meeting of national STEM workforce needs, including relating to the following:

((1)) The diversity with respect to local context, cultural differences, and institutional structure among HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs and any associated impact on education and research endeavors.

((2)) Effective practices at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs and associated outcomes on student recruitment, retention, and advancement in STEM fields, including the ability for students to compete for fellowships, employment, and advancement in the workforce.

((3)) Contributions made by HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to local, regional, and national workforces.

((4)) The challenges and opportunities for HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs in attaining the resources needed for integrating effective practices in STEM education, including providing research experiences for underrepresented minority students.

((5)) The access of students at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to STEM infrastructure and any associated outcomes for STEM competency.

((6)) Models of STEM curriculum, learning, and teaching successful at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs for increasing participation, retention, and success of underrepresented minority students.

((7)) Successful or promising partnerships between HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs and other institutions of higher education, private sector and nonprofit organizations, Federal laboratories, and international research institutions.

((c)) ** Research experiences** Awards under this section may fund the development or expansion of opportunities for the exchange of students and faculty to conduct research, facilitate professional development, and provide mentorship, including through partnerships with institutions of higher education that are not HBCUs, TCUs, or MSIs, private sector and nonprofit organizations, Federal laboratories, and international research institutions.