INSPIRES Act

This bill, known as the INSPIRES Act, aims to significantly enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and career and technical education (CTE) opportunities for students across the United States. It proposes two distinct programs focused on improving educational facilities. The legislation seeks to address the growing demand for skilled STEM workers and ensure equitable access to quality education, particularly in underserved communities. One program authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to states, which then provide subgrants to eligible agencies or Tribal educational agencies. These funds are specifically for qualified STEM education facility projects at eligible schools serving grades 6 through 12 in rural areas or those serving Native American students. Projects can include modernizing, renovating, or building new STEM classrooms and laboratories, as well as establishing and maintaining high-speed internet for these spaces. States with Native American-serving schools must reserve at least 10 percent of their allotment for such projects. States receiving grants are required to provide a 25 percent match from non-Federal sources, while subgrant recipients must provide a 10 percent match, which can be waived by the Secretary under certain conditions. The bill encourages, but does not mandate, that these facility projects meet recognized environmental standards such as LEED or Energy Star. Funds are intended to supplement, not supplant, existing federal and state funding. The second program focuses on improving career and technical education facilities through grants, loan guarantees, or interest payments to eligible entities. These funds support the modernization, renovation, or repair of existing CTE facilities, including improvements to energy efficiency, safety, and educational technology infrastructure. However, this program explicitly excludes new construction and routine maintenance costs. Priority for funding is given to entities that have formed public-private partnerships. The bill authorizes appropriations of not less than $25,000,000 annually for each program starting in fiscal year 2027. The Secretary is also required to submit biennial reports to Congress detailing the impact of these facility projects on improving academic achievement. Up to 3 percent of appropriated funds can be reserved for administrative costs and technical assistance for both programs.