Kosmas Measure to Improve Undergraduate STEM Education Passes Committee

Measure Included in Bipartisan America COMPETES Reauthorization

(Washington, DC) – This week, a measure introduced by Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas (FL-24) to improve undergraduate science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs passed the House Science and Technology Committee as part of the bipartisan America COMPETES Reauthorization Act (HR 5115). Kosmas’ bill, the Transforming Undergraduate STEM Education Act (HR 4997), establishes a competitive grant program through the National Science Foundation (NSF) to reform undergraduate STEM education programs, with the goal of increasing the number of students studying and completing degrees in STEM fields as well as providing our future K-12 teachers with greater STEM content knowledge.

“STEM education is critical for preparing young Americans to excel in the 21st Century economy,” said Congresswoman Kosmas. “This legislation will spur development of innovative approaches to the teaching of math and science in order to ensure that America remains a leader in the global economy.”

The bill directs funding to be awarded for the development and implementation of innovative, proven research-based approaches to transforming the teaching and learning of STEM at the undergraduate level. Grants can be awarded for activities including the creation of multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary courses to strengthen collaboration and student instruction, implementation of mentoring programs to enhance student recruitment and degree completion in STEM fields, and the development and implementation of faculty development programs to improve instruction and support research on teaching and learning of STEM at the undergraduate level.

The COMPETES Reauthorization Act makes investments in science, innovation, and education to strengthen the U.S. scientific and economic leadership, support employers, and create jobs in the short-, mid-, and long-term. Over 140 organizations have endorsed the legislation, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, the Council on Competitiveness, the Association of American Universities, the National Venture Capital Association, TechAmerica, and the Biotechnology Industry Organization.