Bipartisan Leadership Introduces Legislation Aimed at Early Education STEM Efforts

Leadership in the House Science, Space and Technology Committee recently announced its support behind the Building Blocks of STEM Act. The legislation is a bipartisan Senate initiative that seeks to improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education efforts to children in lower grades.

Among the provisions, the bill directs the National Science Foundation to distribute early childhood education funds equitably through its Discovery Research PreK-12 program. The bill also calls for new research grants to help increase the participation of girls in computer science.

NSF’s Discovery Research PreK-12 program strives to improve both the learning and teaching of STEM education for preK-12 students and teachers through the research and development of STEM education innovations and approaches.

The Building Blocks of STEM Act is sponsored by Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and co-sponsored by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Deb Fischer (R-NE). A partner version of the bill was introduced in the House by the Chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on Research and Technology Haley Stevens (D-MI), and Ranking Member Jim Baird (R-IN).

To view the full text of the legislation, click here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/737?s=1&r=1