Senator Hassan Cosponsors STEM Opportunities Act to Improve Inclusion of Underrepresented Groups in STEM Fields
WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Maggie Hassan announced that she is cosponsoring the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Opportunities Act, legislation introduced by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) that would improve the inclusion of women, minorities, and people who experience disabilities in STEM careers.
“It is long past time that we break down barriers to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math careers that too many women, minorities, and individuals who experience disabilities still face in institutions of higher education,” Senator Hassan said. “When underrepresented groups have the opportunity to engage in STEM fields, our economy thrives, and the STEM Opportunities Act takes important steps to ensure that New Hampshire and America has the workforce we need to compete in the 21st century economy.”
The STEM Opportunities Act would help federal science agencies and institutions of higher education identify and share best practices for overcoming barriers that have limited the inclusion of women and other underrepresented groups in STEM fields. The bill provides universities and nonprofits with opportunities to receive competitive grants and recognition for mentoring women and minorities in STEM. Building on the progress made with the enactment of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (AICA), which President Obama signed into law at the beginning of 2017, the bill would also direct the newly authorized STEM interagency working group to better promote inclusion efforts at federal science agencies and elsewhere.
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