National STEM Week Act
Summary
The National STEM Week Act aims to promote American innovation and enhance STEM education pathways for all students, including those in rural, urban, and underserved communities. It amends Section 101 of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 to designate a week each calendar year as "National STEM Week". The Act encourages educational institutions, families, and STEM industries to participate in activities that highlight the importance of STEM education.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is increased awareness and engagement in STEM fields among students, educators, and industry partners. It could lead to improved STEM education and a more diverse and capable future workforce. The Act also mandates reporting and evaluation of the activities conducted during National STEM Week, allowing for continuous improvement.
Potential Benefits
- Increased awareness of STEM fields and career pathways.
- Enhanced access to quality STEM education for students in underserved communities.
- Greater collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners.
- Encouragement of family engagement in STEM activities.
- Support for states and local communities in developing STEM resources.
Potential Disadvantages
- The Act's effectiveness depends on the actual implementation and participation of stakeholders.
- Potential for unfunded mandates on educational institutions and industry partners.
- The sunset clause (expiration after 5 years) may limit long-term impact.
- Reporting requirements could create an administrative burden.
- The Act may not address the root causes of disparities in STEM participation.
Constitutional Alignment
The National STEM Week Act appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Congress has the power to promote education and innovation to benefit the nation. The Act does not infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).