“A bill to provide out-of-school time educators with professional development in STEM subjects, and for other purposes.”
No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section states congressional findings on (1) staffing shortages in after-school, summer, and out-of-school time programs, particularly for STEM educators; (2) the importance of STEM proficiency for U.S. economic competitiveness and scientific leadership; (3) insufficient U.S. student achievement in STEM, especially post-COVID-19; (4) the value of out-of-school programs for engaging girls, underrepresented populations, and low-income students in STEM; (5) the need for high-quality educators to support such programs; (6) the role of federal STEM investments in building a pre-K-12 education portfolio that includes out-of-school time; and (7) the necessity to enhance support systems for STEM educators, including access to curricula, resources, peer networks, and professional development.
This section states the purposes of the Act as (1) recognizing the role of after-school, summer, and other out-of-school time educators in STEM subjects in facilitating STEM education and workforce development; and (2) supporting such educators' professional development and well-being through federal funding.
This section defines terms used in the Act, including (1) intermediary, as a public or private entity that supports out-of-school time programs through technical assistance, professional development, quality improvement initiatives, resource development and coordination, public awareness efforts, and partnerships with government agencies; (2) out-of-school time, as organized educational, enrichment, or child care programs for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students offered after school, during summer, or at other non-school times by entities such as community-based organizations, schools, museums, libraries, or nonprofits; (3) program provider, as a nonprofit provider of an out-of-school time program; (4) Secretary, as the Secretary of Labor; and (5) STEM, as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
This section establishes a grant program under which the Secretary of Education awards five-year grants to intermediaries (including consortia), with not more than one grant per state unless sufficient funds are available, to support professional development (including coaching and scholarships) for STEM educators in after-school, summer, and other out-of-school time programs. Grant recipients must use funds (1) to competitively award subgrants to up to 25 program providers based on need, prioritizing those offering peer networking, serving historically underserved communities, and aligning with National AfterSchool Association standards for credentials, wages, and professional growth; (2) to develop statewide peer support structures, including centralized databases and networks; and (3) for reporting. The Secretary may give preference to intermediaries with partners (e.g., institutions of higher education) committing to 25% annual non-Federal matching funds.