21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act
Summary
The "21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act" aims to increase the participation of girls and underrepresented minorities in STEM fields. It amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide grants to local educational agencies. These grants would fund STEM education activities for girls and underrepresented minorities in elementary and secondary schools.
Expected Effects
The act would establish a grant program for local educational agencies to implement STEM programs. These programs would focus on preparing girls and underrepresented minorities for STEM careers. The grants, amounting to $250,000 per year for four years, would be used to supplement existing STEM education efforts.
Potential Benefits
- Increased participation of girls and underrepresented minorities in STEM fields.
- Enhanced STEM education programs in elementary and secondary schools.
- Development of skills and interest in STEM subjects among targeted groups.
- Exposure to STEM role models and career opportunities.
- Professional development for teachers to address gender and racial bias.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for inefficient allocation of resources if programs are not effectively managed.
- Risk of creating separate programs that may not fully integrate with the general student population.
- Limited scope of the program, potentially leaving out other underrepresented groups or regions.
- Dependence on continued appropriations, which may be subject to political changes.
- Possible administrative burden for local educational agencies in applying for and managing the grants.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of promoting the general welfare through education. While the Constitution does not explicitly mention education, the power to appropriate funds for such purposes is generally understood as an implied power necessary to carry out enumerated powers. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but federal funding of education is a long-standing practice.
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).