21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act

This bill, titled the 21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act, amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to create a new grant program. The program aims to significantly increase the participation of girls and underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) studies and careers. Under this initiative, the Secretary of Education will award competitive grants to qualified local educational agencies , defined as those receiving Title I-A funds and serving at least 40 percent free or reduced-price lunch students. Each grant will provide $250,000 annually for a four-year period, requiring agencies to submit detailed applications outlining their proposed STEM education programs and collaboration plans. Funds from these grants can be used for a wide array of activities designed to foster STEM interest and skills. These include: Providing tutoring and mentoring programs. Establishing partnerships for exposure to STEM role models. Funding after-school and summer STEM programs. Supporting up to 50 percent of the cost for STEM internships. Offering professional development for teachers focused on eliminating gender and racial bias and encouraging STEM pursuits. The bill also mandates annual evaluations from grant recipients to assess program effectiveness, including student engagement and academic progress. This ensures accountability and helps track the impact of the grants on improving STEM education for the targeted student groups.