21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act

This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a new competitive grant program designed to encourage girls and underrepresented minorities to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The Secretary of Education will award these grants to qualified local educational agencies (LEAs) to implement comprehensive STEM education activities for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Eligible LEAs must receive Title I funds and serve a student population where at least 40 percent qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Applications require a detailed program description, collaboration plans, and a strategy to improve STEM education for these groups, with priority given to LEAs partnering with organizations experienced in increasing STEM participation. Each grant provides $250,000 annually for a four-year period , intended to supplement, not supplant, existing non-Federal funds. Grant funds can support a wide array of activities, including preparing students for STEM careers, educating and engaging parents, providing tutoring and mentoring programs, and establishing partnerships for role models. Other uses include offering after-school and summer programs, purchasing educational materials, and funding professional development for teachers to address gender and racial bias and encourage students in STEM. Recipient LEAs are required to submit annual evaluations detailing program activities, curriculum, student engagement, and academic progress. The bill authorizes an appropriation of $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029 to fund this initiative, aiming to foster greater diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.