H. Res. 77 

In the House of Representatives, U. S., 

February 26, 2013. 

Resolved, 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 

This resolution may be cited as the ‘‘Academic Competition Resolution of 2013’’. 

SEC. 2. FINDINGS. 

The House of Representatives finds as follows: 

(1) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and 

Mathematics) fields and knowledge have been integral to 

the development of civilization over the centuries. 

(2) STEM fields have been, and continue to be, 

vital to a healthy and thriving United States. 

(3) STEM fields are even more important in a 

world and nation of continuous and rapid technological 

advancements and needs. 

(4) STEM fields are necessary to ensure a qualified 

national workforce and growing American economy, and 

a recent study predicted that one-half of all STEM jobs 

in 2020 will be related to the field of computer science. 
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(5) A recent study found that less than one-third of 

eighth graders in the United States showed proficiency 

in mathematics and science. 

(6) A recent study found that only 9 States allowed 

computer science courses to count toward high school 

students’ core graduation requirements. 

(7) A recent study found that only one-third of the 

bachelor’s degrees earned in the United States are in a 

STEM field. 

(8) A recent study found that more than one-half 

of the science and engineering graduate students in institutions of higher education in the United States are 

from outside the United States. 

(9) Efforts to encourage students to work in STEM 

fields will enhance collaborative efforts between our secondary education systems and STEM-related fields and 

industries. 

(10) The global economy demands that the United 

States continue to lead the world in innovation, creativity, and STEM-related research. 

(11) Bringing together Members of Congress and 

their younger constituents to participate in activities 

that will result in a deeper appreciation for STEM fields 

will foster enthusiasm for education in the sciences. 
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(12) The support which students will gain through 

Congressional recognition of their work on STEM-related projects will encourage them to pursue career 

paths in STEM studies and research. 

(13) It is appropriate for the House of Representatives to institute a new and worthwhile competition to 

encourage students to participate in STEM studies and 

research. 

(14) Rapid technological change means the competition will evolve over time and will challenge students in 

specialized areas of science, technology, engineering and 

math to ensure maximum participation. Because of the 

importance of computer science it would be appropriate 

to initially challenge students to develop so-called ‘‘apps’’ 

for mobile, tablet, and computer platforms. 

SEC. 3. CONGRESSIONAL COMPETITION IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS. 

(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF COMPETITION.—There is hereby established an academic competition in the fields of 

science, technology, engineering, and mathematics which shall 

be held each year among students in each Congressional district. 

(b) REGULATIONS.—The competition under this resolution shall be carried out in accordance with such regulations 

as may be prescribed by the Committee on House Adminis-
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tration, except that the regulations shall permit the office of 

a Member to seek guidance from outside experts in the fields 

of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for the 

purposes of establishing criteria for the selection of competition judges and for the judgment of competition submissions. 

Attest: 

Clerk.