Legis Daily

Supporting After-School STEM Educators Act

USA119th CongressS-4030| Senate 
| Updated: 3/9/2026
Jeanne Shaheen

Jeanne Shaheen

Democratic Senator

New Hampshire

Cosponsors (1)
Angela D. Alsobrooks (Democratic)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill aims to strengthen the STEM educator workforce in after-school, summer, and other out-of-school time programs. It addresses a recognized staffing crisis and the critical need for high-quality educators to improve student STEM proficiency and national economic competitiveness. The legislation emphasizes the importance of these programs in engaging students, especially girls and underrepresented populations, in STEM fields. To achieve this, the Secretary of Labor will establish a grant program, awarding 5-year grants to intermediaries that support out-of-school time programs. These intermediaries will assist program providers in funding professional development scholarships for educators and streamline accountability. Preference may be given to applicants securing at least 25 percent in non-Federal matching funds. Grant funds enable intermediaries to make competitive subgrants to program providers, supporting STEM educators' participation in professional development and coaching. Subgrants prioritize providers in underserved communities, those with high percentages of underrepresented students, or rural areas. Funds cover professional development costs, staff time, and travel, focusing on training that leads to STEM credentials and professional growth. The bill also requires intermediaries to develop statewide peer support structures, including a centralized database of professional development opportunities and peer networks. Both program providers and intermediaries must submit annual and final reports evaluating changes in educator confidence, knowledge integration, student engagement, educator retention, and the acquisition of STEM credentials. The overarching goal is to recognize and support the vital role of out-of-school time STEM educators through enhanced professional development and well-being, ultimately building a robust future STEM workforce. The Act authorizes the appropriation of necessary sums to carry out its provisions.

Bill Text Versions

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2 versions available

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Timeline
Mar 9, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Mar 9, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  • March 9, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 9, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Supporting After-School STEM Educators Act

USA119th CongressS-4030| Senate 
| Updated: 3/9/2026
This bill aims to strengthen the STEM educator workforce in after-school, summer, and other out-of-school time programs. It addresses a recognized staffing crisis and the critical need for high-quality educators to improve student STEM proficiency and national economic competitiveness. The legislation emphasizes the importance of these programs in engaging students, especially girls and underrepresented populations, in STEM fields. To achieve this, the Secretary of Labor will establish a grant program, awarding 5-year grants to intermediaries that support out-of-school time programs. These intermediaries will assist program providers in funding professional development scholarships for educators and streamline accountability. Preference may be given to applicants securing at least 25 percent in non-Federal matching funds. Grant funds enable intermediaries to make competitive subgrants to program providers, supporting STEM educators' participation in professional development and coaching. Subgrants prioritize providers in underserved communities, those with high percentages of underrepresented students, or rural areas. Funds cover professional development costs, staff time, and travel, focusing on training that leads to STEM credentials and professional growth. The bill also requires intermediaries to develop statewide peer support structures, including a centralized database of professional development opportunities and peer networks. Both program providers and intermediaries must submit annual and final reports evaluating changes in educator confidence, knowledge integration, student engagement, educator retention, and the acquisition of STEM credentials. The overarching goal is to recognize and support the vital role of out-of-school time STEM educators through enhanced professional development and well-being, ultimately building a robust future STEM workforce. The Act authorizes the appropriation of necessary sums to carry out its provisions.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
2 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Mar 9, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Mar 9, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  • March 9, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 9, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Jeanne Shaheen

Jeanne Shaheen

Democratic Senator

New Hampshire

Cosponsors (1)
Angela D. Alsobrooks (Democratic)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted