H.R. 2104 — National STEM Week Act

This section states congressional findings on the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education to U.S. economic competitiveness; the need to enhance STEM access across demographics and regions; the role of informal and formal learning environments, including afterschool programs and at-home activities, in building STEM interest and proficiency; and the value of collaborations among educational institutions, industry, and communities to prepare students for STEM careers.

This section directs the National Science and Technology Foundation Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CoSTEM) education, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, to designate a week each calendar year as “National STEM Week.” (CoSTEM coordinates federal efforts to improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.)

This section establishes the purposes of National STEM Week, which are to (1) highlight the importance of STEM education in educational institutions; (2) showcase diverse STEM career pathways in classroom and informal settings; (3) encourage family STEM engagement at home; (4) facilitate partnerships between educational institutions and industry for real-world STEM applications and mentorship; and (5) support states and local communities in developing tailored STEM Week activities and resources. It directs the National Science and Technology Foundation Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CoSTEM) during National STEM Week to (1) encourage educational institutions to participate; (2) encourage families of participating students to engage in STEM activities; and (3) encourage STEM industries to provide student mentorship, site visits, guest lectures, and support for STEM initiatives through funding, resources, and expertise.

This section directs the National Science and Technology Foundation Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CoSTEM) to submit to Congress, not later than one year after enactment and annually thereafter, a report on National STEM Week activities that includes (1) a summary of nationwide participation and activities, (2) an analysis of the impact on improving STEM education and closing educational gaps, and (3) recommendations for improving future STEM Weeks based on feedback from participants and stakeholders.

This section defines terms used in the Act, including "(1) educational institution," meaning any elementary school, secondary school, or institution of higher education; "(2) elementary school" and "secondary school," having the meanings given in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801); "(3) industry leader," meaning an individual in a leadership position within an industry partner who has authority to make strategic decisions and allocate resources to support National STEM Week; "(4) industry partner," meaning a for-profit or nonprofit entity seeking to support National STEM Week; "(5) institution of higher education," having the meaning given in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002); "(6) STEM," meaning science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and "(7) State," meaning each of the 50 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands.