H.R.2104 - National STEM Week Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2104, the National STEM Week Act, aims to establish a National STEM Week to promote American innovation and enhance STEM education pathways for all students, particularly those in rural, urban, and underserved communities. The bill directs the National Science and Technology Foundation Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CoSTEM) to designate a week each year as National STEM Week and to carry out programs and activities to highlight the importance of STEM education.
The Act also mandates CoSTEM to submit annual reports to Congress detailing the activities conducted, their impact on STEM education, and recommendations for improvement. The bill defines key terms such as "educational institution," "industry leader," and "STEM" to provide clarity and ensure consistent interpretation.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would formally establish a National STEM Week, potentially increasing awareness and participation in STEM education and careers. This could lead to increased funding and resources for STEM programs, as well as greater collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance American innovation and competitiveness by fostering a more skilled and diverse STEM workforce.
Potential Benefits
- Increased awareness of STEM fields among students and families.
- Enhanced access to STEM education resources and opportunities, especially in underserved communities.
- Stronger partnerships between educational institutions and industry, providing students with real-world experience.
- A more skilled and diverse STEM workforce, contributing to American innovation and economic competitiveness.
- Potential for increased federal funding and support for STEM education initiatives.
Potential Disadvantages
- The bill relies on CoSTEM to carry out the activities, which may require additional resources and coordination.
- The effectiveness of National STEM Week will depend on the level of participation from educational institutions, industry partners, and families.
- The bill does not provide specific funding for STEM education initiatives, relying on existing resources and collaborations.
- The annual reporting requirement may create an administrative burden for CoSTEM.
- The impact on closing educational gaps may be limited without addressing underlying systemic issues in education.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the General Welfare Clause (Preamble), which allows Congress to promote the well-being of the nation through education and innovation. Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes to provide for the general welfare of the United States. The establishment of a National STEM Week and the promotion of STEM education can be seen as a means to improve the nation's economic competitiveness and technological advancement, thus contributing to the general welfare. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
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).