Us Congress House Bill HB7790

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/21/24
• Refer: 3/21/24

Caption

Women and Underrepresented Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2024

Impact

The bill outlines a grant program administered by the National Science Foundation to fund initiatives aimed at increasing the number of women and underrepresented minorities in STEM. Authorized activities under the grant program include mentorship programs, internships, and outreach programs for students. The bill allocates $15 million annually for five fiscal years to facilitate these efforts. This is intended to not only increase the number of minority graduates in STEM areas but also to enhance retention rates among these groups in the workforce, addressing the systemic barriers they face.

Summary

House Bill 7790, titled the Women and Underrepresented Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2024, seeks to enhance the participation of historically underrepresented demographic groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and professional sectors. This bill is introduced with findings demonstrating substantial disparities in STEM fields, particularly the low representation of women and racial minorities, as well as the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. The legislation aims to create support mechanisms and programs that promote inclusivity within these critical fields.

Contention

Despite its aims, the bill faces potential contention regarding funding disparities and prioritization of certain demographic groups over others. Critics may argue that while boosting minority representation is critical, it can inadvertently disadvantage other groups, raising concerns over equitable policy implementation. The allocation of federal support toward specific initiatives may lead to debates on effectiveness and impact within different educational institutions and regions, particularly regarding how universities and colleges manage these funds and programs. Ensuring that benefits extend to all deserving populations without stigmatizing any group is expected to be a topic of discussion among lawmakers.