S 2037 — Building Indigenous STEM Professionals Act

Summary

Building Indigenous STEM Professionals Act This bill expands the grant program for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs that benefit Native American students. Under current law, this program only applies to programs that benefit Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. The bill expands grant eligibility to include programs that benefit American Indians. Additionally, the bill authorizes grants under the program for the creation of new programs for the development of Native American STEM professionals. The bill also revises how programs are prioritized for awarding grants. The bill gives priority to programs in which 70% or more of the participants are Native Americans.

Bill Text

• Introduced Introduced in Senate Current html June 27, 2019

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill updates terminology and eligibility criteria within the existing STEM education program to specifically include 'Native American' alongside 'Alaska Native' and 'Native Hawaiian', while also adjusting funding priorities and definitions.

• 20 U.S.C. 1161j

  alaska native and native hawaiian → american indian, alaska native, and native hawaiian

  Changes the section heading to explicitly include 'American Indian'.

• 20 U.S.C. 1161j(a)(2)

  Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians → American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians to enable them to succeed in these fields

  Broadens the focus on educational needs to include 'American Indians'.

• 20 U.S.C. 1161j(b)

  (1) Native american.--The term `Native American' includes Alaska Natives, American Indians, and Native Hawaiians.

  Adds a new definition for 'Native American' encompassing various groups.

• 20 U.S.C. 1161j(b)

  (3) American indian.--The term `American Indian' has the meaning given the term `Indian' in section 202 of the Indian Land Consolidation Act (25 U.S.C. 2201).

  Introduces a specific definition for 'American Indian'.

• 20 U.S.C. 1161j(c)

  , including existing programs for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students

  Removes the specific mention of existing programs for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students.

• 20 U.S.C. 1161j(d)(1)

  Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian students → programs that serve Native American students

  Alters the target demographic for funding to 'Native American students'.

• 20 U.S.C. 1161j(d)(2)

  Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students → programs that serve Native American students

  Changes focus of funding to 'Native American students'.

• 20 U.S.C. 1161j(d)(3)

  Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian students → Native American students

  Replaces demographic focus to include 'Native American students'.

• 20 U.S.C. 1161j(f)

  30 percent or more of the program participants are Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian → 70 percent or more of the program participants are Native American

  Raises the participant threshold from 30% to 70%, changing the grant priority criteria.

• 20 U.S.C. 1161j(i)

  2009 → 2020

  Extends the authorization of appropriations to include the fiscal year 2020.

Action History

1. June 27, 2019

   Introduced in Senate

2. June 27, 2019

   Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Sponsors

• Lisa Murkowski · Primary

Subjects