S 1070119th CongressIn Committee

National STEM Week Act

Introduced: Mar 14, 2025

Sponsor: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA] (R-Iowa)

EducationTechnology & Innovation

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill, the National STEM Week Act, would designate an annual National STEM Week designated by the National Science and Technology Council’s Committee on STEM Education (CoSTEM). The purpose is to promote American innovation and strengthen STEM education pathways for all students, including those in rural, urban, and underserved communities. The act emphasizes partnerships among schools, families, industry, and communities, with a focus on real-world STEM experiences, mentorship, and resources. It also requires regular reporting to Congress on participation, impact, and proposed improvements. Crucially, the bill provides a framework for organizing National STEM Week but does not specify funding. It relies on CoSTEM and industry/educational partners to carry out activities and to coordinate nationwide participation. It establishes broad definitions to ensure participation across K-12 and higher education, and across U.S. states and territories.

Key Points

1Establishment and designation of National STEM Week
2- CoSTEM will designate a week each calendar year as National STEM Week, in consultation with other stakeholders.
3Purposes of National STEM Week
4- Highlight the importance of STEM education in schools.
5- Showcase diverse STEM career pathways in classrooms and informal settings.
6- Encourage family involvement in STEM activities at home.
7- Facilitate partnerships between schools and industry for mentorship, real-world learning, and resources.
8- Support states and local communities in developing their own STEM Week activities tailored to local needs.
9Programs and activities during National STEM Week
10- Educational activities at educational institutions.
11- Community and family engagement to participate in STEM activities.
12- Industry involvement through mentorship programs, site visits, guest lectures, and funding/resources.
13Reporting and evaluation
14- Within one year of enactment and annually thereafter, CoSTEM must report to Congress on nationwide participation, impact on STEM education and gap-closing, and recommendations for improvement based on stakeholder feedback.
15Definitions and scope
16- Broad definitions to cover elementary through higher education, industry partners/leaders, and all 50 states plus U.S. territories.
17- “STEM” includes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Impact Areas

Primary groups/areas affected- Students (K-12 and higher education) across rural, urban, and underserved communities.- Educators and educational institutions (schools, colleges, universities).- Family members and households involved in STEM learning.- Industry partners and leaders providing mentorship, resources, and expertise.- Federal agencies under CoSTEM for coordination and reporting.Secondary groups/areas affected- Local and state education ecosystems developing their own STEM Week activities.- Workforce development and long-term innovation capacity of the U.S.- Public awareness of STEM careers and pathways.Additional impacts- Potential increased collaboration between education sectors and industry.- Dependence on private-sector funding and participation to implement activities, given no explicit federal funding appropriation in the bill.- Improved data on STEM education outcomes and equity, informing future policy and program design.

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