The 21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act will: Direct the Department of Education to make grants to qualifying local education agencies to fund STEM education activities for girls and underrepresented minorities.
Direct the Department of Education to make grants to qualifying local education agencies to fund STEM education activities for girls and underrepresented minorities.
Occurrences
Authorize $10 million to qualifying local educational agencies serving high-poverty students from fiscal years 2026 through 2029. These investments are designed to expand access to rigorous coursework, hands-on learning, and pathways that lead to STEM degrees and high-growth careers.
Evidence
On December 3, 2025, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty announced the introduction of the 21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act, designed to close equity gaps in STEM education. The bill directs the Department of Education to make grants to qualifying local education agencies to fund STEM education activities for girls and underrepresented minorities. Senator Alsobrooks is introducing companion legislation in the United States Senate.
The bill includes provisions for providing tutoring and mentoring programs in STEM subjects, establishing partnerships that expose girls and underrepresented minorities to role models in STEM fields, enabling attendance at STEM events and academic programs, and offering after-school and summer activities designed to encourage interest and develop skills in STEM subjects.
Assessments
Senator Alsobrooks co-introduced legislation to direct the Department of Education to make grants for STEM education for girls and underrepresented minorities. However, the evidence only documents the introduction of the bill and its specific provisions, with no indication that the bill was enacted or that the grants have been delivered. This constitutes a serious legislative attempt, but the promised policy outcome—actual disbursement of grants—was not achieved.