Kelly, Moran Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen STEM Ecosystems

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced the Strengthening STEM Ecosystems Act, legislation to boost STEM workforce and job training. The bill would establish a grant program within the National Science Foundation to provide funding to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) ecosystems and their partners to better connect communities, share knowledge, and create pathways for students to enter STEM careers.

With jobs in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields expected to grow dramatically in the next decade, Kelly's bill will support existing initiatives and ensure STEM organizations are involved in workforce development, education, and economic planning. The bill's proposed grant program would not only promote the exchange of knowledge and better connect communities to their STEM partners, it would help states avoid costly and unnecessary programmatic duplication.

"Our legislation creates paths for Arizonans to develop skills in STEM in and out of the classroom by supporting local initiatives that help students get the experience and training needed for jobs in growing technology fields," said Senator Kelly, a former NASA astronaut. "Strong skills in science and technology are critical to preparing Arizonans for the many high-paying jobs of the future and ensuring that the United States maintains its competitive edge on the global stage."

"Expanding STEM education opportunities is critical to bolstering America's long-term competitiveness on the global stage," said Senator Moran. "STEM ecosystems are effective at bringing together nonprofits, schools districts, businesses, museums, universities, and more to accomplish just that. I have been a longtime supporter of STEM education and am pleased to introduce this bill with Sen. Kelly to support new and existing STEM ecosystems and their efforts to better reach rural America."

Source